ABSTRACT
Emergency dispatchers (EDs) often experience both chronic and acute forms of stress, at times very intense, that can lead to burnout, poor job performance, and quitting the job. Police personnel report markedly reduced passion for their job, leading to chronic stress, burnout, and quitting the law enforcement profession due to the effects of prolonged and unpleasant behavioural patterns. According to Zeidner and Saklofske, examples of ineffective coping strategies that have implications in law enforcement include the excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, sudden explosive anger, hallucinogenic drugs, impatience, anger, and verbal or physical confrontation. Behaviour may be a mediating variable in experiencing job-related stress in law enforcement, and among dispatchers, in particular. The unique job characteristics of Emergency dispatcher (ED) virtually mandate mastery of avoidance coping, although evidence is lacking that members of law enforcement use the important coping technique. A cognitive strategy is the conscious use of a mental technique intended to alter the person's thoughts, emotions, or performance.
