Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training for Aggression, Health, and Stress Among Law Enforcement Officers

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are exposed to significant stressors, elevating their risk
for aggression and excessive use of force. Such dysfunctional stress reactivity can lead to
devastating consequences for their community, including unjustified shootings, severe
beatings, and fatal chokings. It can also lead to serious consequences for the LEOs,
including elevated incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout, alcohol misuse,
depression, and suicide. A recent meta-analysis of LEO stress reduction programs found little
evidence to demonstrate that such approaches are effective, highlighting the urgent need for
preventive interventions targeting the stress inherent to policing. Mindfulness training is a
promising approach with high-stress populations that has been shown effective in reducing
stress and increasing resilience. In a recent pilot feasibility study (R21AT008854), the
study team established initial feasibility, acceptability, and adherence to procedures in a
single-site RCT assessing Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT), a preventive
intervention designed to improve LEO mental health and resilience, and reduce aggression and
excessive use of force. The R21 data suggest physiological mechanisms and potential clinical
benefit in a sample of LEOs. Relative to waitlist control, MBRT participants showed
improvements in stress reactivity, aggression, burnout, occupational stress, sleep
disturbance, and psychological flexibility. Implemented at two sites, the proposed study is
designed to establish optimal protocols and procedures for a future full-scale, multi-site
trial assessing effects of MBRT versus an attention control (Stress Management Education) and
a no-intervention control, on physiological, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. To
prepare for this future clinical trial, this study will: a) enhance efficiency of
recruitment, engagement and retention; b) optimize lab, assessment, and data management
procedures; c) optimize intervention training and ensure fidelity to intervention protocols;
and d) assess participant experience and optimize outcome measures across sites. The
long-term objective of this line of research is to develop an intervention that will reduce
violence and increase resilience among LEOs, as well as yield significant benefits for
communities and residents they serve.

Inclusion Criteria:

- be 21-65 years old (age limitations for both police departments),

- demonstrate English fluency,

- be a sworn, full-time, active status law enforcement officer,

- agree to random assignment to condition, and

- be willing to complete assessments at multiple time points and attend intervention
groups

Exclusion Criteria:

- previous participation in MBSR, MBRT or a similar mindfulness course,

- score in the severe range on brief screening measures of depression, suicidal
ideation, alcohol use, or PTSD, or

- unable or unwilling to give written informed consent.