Affective Regulation and Stress Tolerance in Indian Law-Enforcement Personnel: A Rorschach-Based Comparison of RPF and State Police

Abstract

Police and paramilitary personnel in India work under sustained operational and organisational pressure, influencing how they regulate affect and manage internal stress. This study examined implicit patterns of control, stress tolerance, and affect regulation among Railway Protection Force (RPF) and State Police personnel using the Rorschach Inkblot Method scored with the Exner Comprehensive System. Forty serving personnel (20 RPF and 20 State Police) were assessed, and protocols were coded using structured interpretive routines of Control and Stress Tolerance (STEP 1-5) and Affect Regulation (STEP 1-16). Analyses indicated no significant group differences on early control indices, suggesting comparable baseline regulatory capacity across groups. However, State Police personnel showed more strained profiles on later control and stress tolerance steps, reflecting emotional flooding, heightened internal pressure, and restricted coping flexibility. Differences were also observed in affect regulation, with Police personnel producing significantly more Pure C responses, Space responses, and Shading blends, indicating greater unmodulated affect, irritability, and painful emotional experience. Overall, the findings suggest that despite similar structural capacity for control, State Police personnel carry a heavier implicit emotional burden and may be more vulnerable to stress-related affective dysregulation. The study highlights the need for sustained, context-sensitive psychological support and stress-management interventions within Indian law-enforcement settings.