NCJ Number
87727
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 45 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1983) Pages: 14-15,18,24
Date Published
1983
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Persons working in corrections are particularly vulnerable to physical, emotional, and interpersonal problems. Chronic job stress and burnout not only affect officers' performance, but carry over into their family life.
Abstract
Working in corrections can lead to an authoritarian personality. Officers also become suspicious and afraid, as well as chronically critical and stingy with praise from working in a negative environment. When these personality characteristics are carried over into the home setting, officers begin to treat family members like inmates, are unable to express warmth and affection, and release their suppressed hostility on their families. New Jersey initiated family stress training for its correctional personnel that encourages officers and family members to express feelings and affection and teaches relaxation techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises. Suggestions to officers and families to reduce stress are summarized. Ten references are given.