PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING ATTITUDE TOWARDSPREPARATION FOR RETIREMENT AMONG POLICE OFFICERS: IMPLICATION FORCOUNSELLING

Abstract

Historical and current police retirement in Nigeria is covered. Atchley describes the five phases of retirement:
preparation, honeymoon, disillusionment, reorientation, and stability. Age, financial independence, professional
success, burnout, and unpleasant job situations might precipitate retirement. Psychosocial variables underlying
this attitude are rarely studied. This research examined how psychosocial factors affect police officers'
retirement attitudes. Two hundred and Ten police officers preparing for retirement at Lagos police headquarters.
87% were males. 11.2% were single, 77.8% married, and 3 (1.4%) separated. Mean age was 57.20 (S.D.=4.55)
and Police experience ranged from 30 to 35 years with an average salary of =N=41,345 per month. Data was
analysed using descriptive statistics and t-tests at p<0.05. Police officers who own their own homes had a more
favourable outlook on retirement (t (208) = -2.04, p<.05). Low-stress police officers viewed retirement more
favourably than high-stress officers (t (208) = -2.63, p<.01). Police officers' attitudes on retiring differed
significantly based on their social support (t (208) = 5.095, p<.01). Low perceived wellbeing police officers had
a less positive attitude towards retiring than high perceived wellness officers (t (208) = -4.78, p.05). High
perceived employability boosted retirement planning (t (208) = -2.86, p.01). Police with more than 5 dependents
expressed a less favourable attitude towards retiring (t (208) = -3.01, p<.01). The research found that police
retirees' satisfaction levels affect their post-retirement lives. The police service commission was instructed to
provide retirement planning, counselling, and training.