Effectiveness of peer support in improving the well-being of police officers
Gerick R. Artieda, Rhea Mae T. Caño & Rachel Mae Sulitas
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of peer support programs in enhancing police officers’ well-being, focusing on resilience, sense of belonging, and coping mechanisms. A quantitative, correlational research design was employed, involving 284 officers from the Bacolod City Police Office in the Philippines. Data were analyzed to determine the relationship between peer support and well-being indicators, as well as the influence of demographic variables, including age, sex, and years of service. Findings indicated that peer support programs were perceived as highly effective in improving officers’ well-being across all measured domains. However, no significant differences were observed when grouped according to demographic factors, suggesting that peer support interventions provide consistent benefits regardless of individual characteristics. These results support key theoretical frameworks, including Social Support Theory, Stress and Coping Theory, and Resilience Theory, which emphasize the role of social networks and adaptive coping in managing occupational stress. The study concludes that peer support programs are an essential component of law enforcement wellness strategies. Institutionalizing structured peer support systems and integrating them into broader mental health initiatives are recommended to enhance officer resilience, morale, and overall effectiveness.
Keywords
coping mechanisms, social support, stress coping mechanisms, resilience
Author information & Contribution
Gerick R. Artieda. Corresponding author. Bachelor’s Degree. Faculty, STI West Negros University. Email: gerick.artieda@wnu.sti.edu.ph
Rhea Mae T. Caño. Bachelor’s Degree. Faculty, STI West Negros University. Email: rheamae.cano@wnu.sti.edu.ph
Rachel Mae Sulitas. Bachelor’s Degree. Alumni, STI West Negros University. Email: sulitas.654583@wnu.sti.edu.ph
"Rachel Mae Sulitas and Gerick R. Artieda, as the main authors, conceptualized the study, finalized the research framework, and prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. Co-author Rhea Mae T. Caño reviewed the initial draft and revised the manuscript. All authors contributed to the writing of the final version of the manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Declaration
The authors acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of this manuscript. All AI-assisted content was thoroughly reviewed, verified, and edited by the author to ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency with the study’s objectives. The authors assume full responsibility for the final content of the manuscript.
Notes
This paper has been presented in the 3rd International Conference on Management, Education & Innovation (ICMEI) held at STI West Negros University.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to STI West Negros University for providing the necessary support, resources, and environment to conduct this research. The authors also acknowledge the valuable contributions of Charisse Celeste, Dominic Gargar Christine Dela Cruz, and Marie Gould Ojalde, whose collaboration and insights were instrumental in the preparation and completion of this research.
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Cite this article:
Artieda, G.R., Caño, R.M.T. & Sulitas, R.M. (2026). Effectiveness of peer support in improving the well-being of police officers. The Research Probe, 6(1), 133-154. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.224
License:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International License.
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