Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Police Officers in Kamukunji Sub County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Police officers operate under high-stress conditions characterized by traumatic exposure, long working hours, and limited institutional support, all of which threaten their psychological well-being. This study investigated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among police officers in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine levels of social support, assess levels of psychological well-being, examine the relationship between social support and psychological well-being, and establish whether demographic characteristics moderate this relationship. A quantitative correlational design was employed. The target population comprised 400 officers drawn from six police stations and two police posts. A sample of 216 officers was selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating demographic items, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the PERMA-Profiler. The study was guided by Social Support Theory, the PERMA Model of Well-Being, and Self-Determination Theory. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that most officers reported moderate levels of social support (68.4%), while 20.3% reported high support and 11.3% low support. Similarly, 72.3% of officers reported moderate psychological well-being, 23.7% high psychological well-being, and 3.9% low psychological well-being. Correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between social support and psychological well-being (r = .722, p < .001). Gender significantly moderated this relationship, while age, years of service, and rank were not significant moderators. The study concludes that although officers experience moderate support and well-being, optimal psychological flourishing remains limited. Strengthening social support systems and implementing gender-sensitive interventions are recommended to enhance psychological well-being among police officers.

Gender, Police Officers, Psychological Well-Being, Social Support

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