A Qualitative Exploration of the Psychological Well-Being of Retired Indian Police Service Officers

Abstract

Retirement marks a significant transition for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, often impacting their sense of identity, purpose, and daily structure. This study aimed to explore the unique experiences of retired IPS officers, focusing on the impact of mental health and coping strategies they employed in the transition. Six retired IPS officers participated in in-depth interviews to provide insights into their post-retirement journeys. Thematic analysis revealed key themes, including identity transition, purpose in post-retirement life, challenges in retirement, relationship, coping strategies, fulfillment and reflection, advice for future retirees. The findings revealed the importance of planning for a fulfilling retirement and suggested tailored support systems for retiring officers to ensure a smooth transition and sustained well-being. Notably, recently retired officers experience greater challenges in navigating the transition, while those retired longer may have forgotten the difficulties they once faced.