Use of existential‐phenomenological counseling for police officers

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of existential counseling on 20 police officers. Existential group therapy was expected to change locus of control beliefs from external to internal, have a positive effect on self‐efficacy, and assist in lowering aggressive tendencies. Design/methodology/approach An experimental research design was used to compare effects of existential group therapy on police officers with an untreated control group of police officers. Both groups completed the self‐efficacy scale, belief in personal control, aggression questionnaire prior to and following the 20‐week treatment program. A short demographic survey was completed prior to beginning the study. Findings No changes were found from pre‐test to post‐test on self‐efficacy, locus of control, and aggression. While the statistical findings were not significant, anecdotal comments indicated that police officers benefited from their participation in the program. Research limitations/implications The sample size was too small to allow for generalizations to all police officers in the large urban area in which the study was conducted. Additional research with a larger group is needed to validate the findings of the present study. Practical implications Although no statistically significant differences were found, the participants in the treatment group reported personal and professional benefits from learning that their peers experienced some of the same concerns when dealing with the public and superiors. Originality/value No research was found that had used police officers in counseling groups to help them become more internal and less aggressive.