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An Exploration of De-escalation Behaviour and Physiological Arousal in Police Officers Within a Virtual Reality Simulation-Based Training Environment

Doherty, Daniel (2024) An Exploration of De-escalation Behaviour and Physiological Arousal in Police Officers Within a Virtual Reality Simulation-Based Training Environment.

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Abstract:This study aims, with the use of a multimodal design, to explore the relationship between officer’s physiological arousal state and their de-escalation behaviours. This is done to gain insight into whether officers change or adapt their de-escalation behaviors under higher levels of stress. In total, 16 officers participated across six simulations in this study. In general, this research discovered that officers were far more likely to engage in “Verbal Use of Force” de-escalation behaviour during these scenarios with other less aggressive forms of de-escalation generally being utilised in addition to this. The officers were more likely to engage in de-escalation behaviour when experiencing a medium level of physiological arousal as compared to less de-escalation behavior when under high or low pressure. Under non-moderate arousal levels, they still engaged in de-escalation behaviour by and large just to a lesser extent. This study provided insight into the interaction between physiological arousal and the display of de-escalation behaviour amongst police officers. Furthermore, this research showcased the potential benefits of virtual reality simulation-based training for developing skills in officers as well as promoting police de-escalation training in general in the future.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:70 social sciences in general
Programme:Educational Science and Technology MSc (60023)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104518
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