Existing research consistently shows that first responders are at higher risk for the development of negative mental health outcomes, particularly if they lack effective resiliency systems. The mindfulness-based resilience program Mindarma has been linked with improvements in measures of resilience, optimism, mindfulness, and the use of healthy coping strategies in other first responder populations (Joyce et al. 2019a). The current study is however the first of its kind to evaluate Mindarma within a police population. The study utilised a longitudinal design to test resilience at pre-, post-, and six-month follow up, after the administration of Mindarma. The sample included 78 participants at baseline, 43 participants at pre-post, and 30 valid responses for participants at six-month follow-up. Data analysis of police members’ pre-post training scores demonstrated a statistically significant increase in adaptive resilience among participants after completion of the Mindarma program. Furthermore, results at six-month post completion of the Mindarma program demonstrated that the uplift in resilience had been maintained across the police participants. Qualitative responses outlined the utility of the program including application in work and personal life settings. The current findings highlight that proactive psychological interventions can increase resilience in police populations, and this increase can be maintained after engagement in the program.
