Management of Occupational Stress in Prison Officers (From Role of Psychologists in the Criminal Justice System, P 53-69, 1983, Grant Wardlaw, ed. - See NCJ-92075)

• NCJ Number: 92078
• Author(s): R E Fitzgerald
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper examines the nature of workplace stress, with particular reference to the prison officer, and suggestions are offered for the prevention and alleviation of stress among prison officers.

Abstract

Following a general discussion of occupational stress, sources of work stress are identified, including stressors intrinsic to the job and those related to the worker's role in the organization, options for career development, relations with the organization, organizational structure and climate, and the interface of the organization with the outside. Studies of occupational stress in corrections are then reviewed, followed by descriptions of ways to prevent stress. These include education and training prior to the job; training in management, communication skills, and the recognition and awareness of stress; improved selection and appraisal procedures; and regular aerobic exercise, physical fitness, and recreation. Also described are approaches for reducing the level of stress already being experienced in a job. They involve (1) communication with and support from peers and superiors, (2) referral and counseling, (3) relaxation training, (4) meditation, (5) biofeedback, (6) stress inoculation training, and (7) alcohol rehabilitation. A program for increasing the awareness of occupational stress is outlined. The five stages of the workshop cover introduction to work stress, sources of work stress in corrections, symptoms of work stress, the management of work stress in self and others, and progressive relaxation. Twenty-three references are listed.