| dc.description.abstract | The aim of this study is to investigate associations between age, gender, job demands, job resources and sickness absence among Dutch police officers. Research has shown that sickness absence rates among Dutch police officers are higher than among Dutch employees in other professions. This study is based on a data sample of 888 Dutch police officers. The results show that job demands as workload, administrative, mental and emotional strain are significantly positive associated with sickness absence, and job resources as autonomy, social support of co-workers, learn- and development opportunities and feedback were significantly negative associated with sickness absence. The correlational relations between sickness absence among Dutch police officers, and job demands and resources are not significant when corrected for demographic variables as age and gender, and other job demands and job resources. 4.5 % of the variance in sickness absence among Dutch police officers can be explained by age, gender and job demands and resources.
Further research into other correlating variables with sickness absence is recommended. Recommended research possibilities are the relations between physical complaints and sickness absence, and a high Body Mass Index-score and sickness absence. Other possibilities are research into the possible role of age in the Job-Demands-Resources-model and research into the applicability of the JD-R-model at the Dutch police. Further research is necessary to decrease sickness absence rates among Dutch police officers, and the negative financial and social consequences on police officers, the employer and society coupled with this decrease in sickness absence rates. | |
