Police work is inherently stressful. However, the traditionally male-dominated field of policing may create increased obstacles and stressors for female officers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in the perception of gender discrimination and in levels of stress. The results indicate that male and female officers have conflicting attitudes about the amount and nature of gender discrimination within police work. The findings further suggest that female officers experience higher levels of stress. In addition, the results indicate a weak relationship between perceptions of gender-related jokes and stress levels for females. Interestingly, male officers who report that females are held to a higher standard experience lower levels of stress. Nevertheless, the most important stressor for both males and females is the perception of job-related problems.
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