Date Submitted
10-23-2025
Faculty Advisor
Sarah Getch
Abstract
Stress can hinder an individual’s ability to perform at an optimal level, specifically first responders (e.g., police officers). Law enforcement officers’ performance, such as accuracy and decisions are often scrutinized, as these skills ensure public safety. However, frequent encounters with dangerous and anxiety-inducing situations can make it difficult to achieve these high standards. High levels of stress can often elicit negative feelings, physiological responses, result in maladaptive coping skills, and negatively impact an individual’s cognition and health. Incorporating evidence-based stress- management skills, such as diaphragmatic breathing, into training may improve officers’ mental/physical wellness and enhance performance in the field. The present study examined whether prompting diaphragmatic breathing immediately before a qualification examination improved shooting accuracy, decision-making scores, or the overall pass rates among recruits in the Kansas City Regional Police Academy. All participants were trained in diaphragmatic breathing; however, only a randomized subset received a verbal prompt to use the strategy prior to the examination. Results indicated no statistically significant group differences on all performance metrics. However, recruits with prior breathing training performed significantly better on shooting accuracy than those without prior experience, suggesting that habitual practice may be more influential than brief prompting. These findings suggest that a single reminder to engage in diaphragmatic breathing may be insufficient at altering performance. Nonetheless, the benefits associated with prior breathing training suggest a success for breathing training overall and highlights the potential value of integrating sustained breathing training into academy curricula to enhance stress regulation, performance, and long-term officer wellness.
