Psychological Variables and Social Adjustment of Police Officers in Orlu Senatorial District of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the relationship between
psychological variables and social adjustment of police
officers in Orlu Senatorial District of Imo State, Nigeria.
Three research questions and three corresponding null
hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a
correlational research design. The population of the study
consisted of 898 police officers serving in 21 police stations
in Orlu Senatorial District of Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 317
police officers used for the study. A researcher-made
instrument, titled “Psychological Variables and Social
Adjustment Questionnaire for Police Officers”
(PVSAQPO), was used for data collection. The face
validation of the instrument was determined by three experts.
The reliability of the instrument was determined using the
internal consistency method, and a reliability coefficient of
0.72 was obtained. The research questions and their
corresponding null hypotheses were answered and tested
using the Pearson product-moment correlation. Analysis of
data revealed that there is a significant positive relationship
between self-esteem, emotional intelligence, social support
and social adjustment of police officers in Orlu Senatorial
District of Imo State, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the
study, conclusions were drawn and three relevant recommendations made, among which is that the Nigeria
Police Force should organise regular workshops and
counselling sessions aimed at building and maintaining high
self-esteem among officers.