Exploring U.S. Border Patrol Sog Operators’ Perceptions of Coping with Distressing Experiences and Barriers Toward Seeking Mental Health Support
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Counseling
Date of Award
8-14-2024
Abstract
The United States Border Patrol Special Operations Group is composed of elite, tactically skilled, Border Patrol agents. Those working within special operations and border security are under-researched populations with unique needs often unknown or misunderstood by the populace of Americans. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by exploring operators’ lived experiences of mental health seeking behaviors and coping with distressing work-related experiences. The methodological approach is a phenomenological framework, by way of a semi-structured interview, using a focus-group design with active members of the U.S. Border Patrol SOG. Inductive analysis was used to explore the data to best summarize key themes through a process of coding and categorization. Themes identified include: (a) Available Mental Health Assets and Strengths, (b) Cultural Competence and Recommendations, (c) Influence of Upbringing and Personal Beliefs, (d) Positive Changes in Mental Health Support from Agency, v (e) Recommendations for Improving Access to Mental Health Support, and (f) Stigmas and Barriers to Seeking Support. The findings identify the need for tailored support mechanisms, embedded clinicians, support for families, consistency across all units, culturally competent mental health resources and providers, reducing stigma, and leveraging technology. Recommendation for future research include comparative studies between the SOG operators and other special operations groups, psychoeducation for new employees, and offering psychoeducational courses at the Border Patrol Academy. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological well-being of border security professionals and underscores the importance of addressing their specific mental health needs.
Advisor
Lavelle Hendricks
Subject Categories
Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Moseley, Shannon L., "Exploring U.S. Border Patrol Sog Operators’ Perceptions of Coping with Distressing Experiences and Barriers Toward Seeking Mental Health Support" (2024). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1218.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1218
