Degree Date

3-2025

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ed.D. Doctor of Education

Academic Discipline

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Kent B. Provost, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Bradley Olson, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Judah Viola, Ph.D.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Alexithymia, characterized by difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions, has significant implications for professions requiring emotional intelligence and trauma-informed response. Law enforcement officers routinely navigate high-stress encounters that demand emotional regulation, clear communication, and empathy, yet those with alexithymic traits may struggle in these areas, potentially affecting interactions with victims, suspects, and the community. This study examined the prevalence of alexithymia among front-line police officers in suburban municipal agencies within the Chicago metropolitan area, using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) as a standardized assessment. The research addressed three questions: (1) What proportion of officers exhibited normative or elevated levels of alexithymia? (2) Did alexithymia vary by years of service? (3) Were there differences between male and female officers? A quantitative methodology was employed, collecting survey data from 44 officers categorized by sex and tenure, distinguishing those with less than 5 years from those with 5 or more. Findings indicated that while most officers were non-alexithymic, a notable subset exhibited normative or severe alexithymia, raising concerns about emotional processing within the profession. Statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant differences based on sex or years of service, suggesting alexithymic tendencies may be more individually variable than demographically linked. These findings highlight the need for trauma-informed policing strategies that account for emotional processing deficits. Enhancing officers’ ability to recognize and regulate emotions may improve victim interactions, crisis de-escalation, and community trust, reinforcing the importance of integrating emotional intelligence training within trauma-informed law enforcement practices.

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