WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT, SHIFT WORK AND ROLE AMBIGUITY AS PREDICTORS OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AMONG NIGERIAN POLICE OFFICERS

Abstract

In Nigeria, many police officers exhibit low motivation and substandard job performance due to occupational stress. Research shows that 91% of officers suffer psychological issues linked to job-related stress (Hasin et al, 2023; de Krijger et al, 2025). This study examined the joint and independent effects of shift duty, work-family conflict, and role ambiguity on occupational stress among police personnel in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Guided by the Conservation of Resources Theory and Spill-Over Theory, the study adopted a cross-sectional design with 265 purposively selected participants (M age = 23.6, SD = 14.3). Data were collected using a 52-item questionnaire that covered demographics and validated scales: Shift Work developed by Netemeyer, Boles, and McMurrain’s (1996) (α = .81), Work-Family Conflict (α = .77), Role Ambiguity developed by Rizzo et al. (1970) (α = .79), and Occupational Stress developed by Karasek (1985). (α = .74). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the three predictors jointly contributed to occupational stress. Shift duty (and role ambiguity) were significant predictors, while work-family conflict was not. ANOVA revealed a significant effect of shift duty, with morning shift officers reporting higher stress levels. Female officers experienced significantly more stress than males. Additionally, demographic variables collectively predicted stress, with religion being the only significant independent predictor. These findings have implications for considering psychological variables in managing the work schedules of police officers to reduce their occupational stress and improve effective and efficient performance. It equally highlights the critical need for structured interventions focused on managing shift schedules, improving role clarity, and implementing gender-responsive support systems to reduce occupational stress among Nigerian police officers