Correctional Officer Stress: Is Training Missing the Target? (From Issues in Correctional Training and Casework, P 19-23, 1986, Bruce I Wolford and Pam Lawrenz, eds. -- See NCJ-106389)

• NCJ Number: 106393
• Author(s): J B Stinchcomb
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 55 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A survey of 141 (57-percent return rate) employees of a local detention facility indicates that sizable numbers of correctional officers are experiencing occupational stress, despite self-perceptions to the contrary.

Abstract

Within a physiological model of stress, the strongest predictors were pressures from and problems with others at work (primarily coworkers and administrators), gender (female), and lack of recognition. Within a physical/mental/emotional model, the major predictors were those in the work environment, low self-esteem, low job satisfaction, feeling overworked, and lack of control. With the exception of gender, all of these variables are under organizational control and amenable to change. While traditional stress management approaches emphasize helping staff adapt to stressful conditions, use lecture style approaches and focus on self-help topics, these findings suggest that the content and structure of stress reduction training might better focus on increasing discretion, flexibility, and organizational integration. 1 note and 13 references. (Author abstract modified)