NCJ Number
88121
Journal
International Journal of Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (1982) Pages: 250-254
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines several areas of difficulty in conducting research on correctional officer stress and gives some guidelines for laying the groundwork for successful research.
Abstract
The corrections atmosphere does not easily lend itself to the needs for flexibility of researchers who, in most cases, must necessarily disrupt agency routines and scheduling in order to collect their data. Moreover, aside from meeting professional research design requirements, hypotheses and rationales for the study of stress in corrections are needed because of personnel politics. Clear statements to management regarding possible political and administrative advantages in conducted research may be helpful in allaying administrative fears. Research should also distinguish between 'stress' as an expression of job dissatisfaction and 'stress' as a definition for those suffering debilitating symptoms possibly related to their jobs. Research questions must be worked in such a way so that they are easily understood. Other guidelines are suggested.