Examining mental health knowledge, stigma, and service use intentions among Royal Canadian Mounted Police cadets

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123361
• Publication Date: 2023-05-02T13:17:57Z
• Authors: Katie L. Andrews; Laleh Jamshidi; Robyn E. Shields; Taylor A. Teckcha...; Tracie O. Afifi; Amber J. Fletcher; Shannon Sauer-Zavala; Alain Brunet; Gregory P. Krätzig; R. Nicholas Carleton
• Keywords: Stigma; Mental health service

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers experience an elevated risk for mental health disorders due to inherent work-related exposures potentially psychologically traumatic events and occupational stressors. RCMP also report high levels of stigma low intentions seek services. In contrast, very little is known about the knowledge cadets starting Cadet Training Program (CTP). The current study was designed to: (1) obtain baseline knowledge, against peers in workplace, service use cadets; (2) determine relationship among (3) examine differences across sociodemographic characteristics; (4) compare a sample previously surveyed serving RCMP.Participants were (n = 772) 26-week CTP. Cadets completed questionnaires assessing coworkers with challenges, intentions.RCMP reported statistically significantly lower (d 0.233) 0.127), higher 0.148) than (all ps < 0.001). Female scores on compared male cadets. Mental positively associated. For total sample, inversely associated intentions.The results indicate that intention professional Differences between highlight need regular ongoing training from CTP, reduce increase knowledge. female suggest differential barriers help-seeking behaviors. provide monitor cadet as they progress throughout their careers.