Stress and Burnout Among Prison Personnel: Sources, Outcomes, and Intervention Strategies

• NCJ Number: 217563
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 380-398
• Author(s): Giora Keinan; Ayala Malach-Pines
• Date Published: March 2007
• Length: 19 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Israeli Ministry of Public Safety
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study identified the typical stressors experienced by personnel who worked in Israel's prison system, along with the outcomes related to these stressors.

Abstract

The stress reactions reported by prison employees showed high overall stress levels, burnout, psychological and physical symptoms, and posttraumatic reactions to stress at work. Findings regarding their work satisfaction, however, did not correspond with the other stress indicators. A substantial number of respondents were apparently satisfied with their work and did not intend to leave it. Employees who dealt with security and the management of prison inmates were more stressed than administrative staff. Security personnel also experienced higher burnout levels and reported more physical and psychological symptoms than treatment personnel. High-ranking employees (commanding officers) suffered from substantially less stress and less burnout compared to low-ranking employees. This may be because high-ranking employees undergo a strict selection process that includes an assessment of their ability to cope effectively with stress. Also, their job responsibilities are different from those of the lower ranking employees, who spend more time in direct and continuous contact with inmates. No significant correlations were found between the number of years on the job and the stress ratings. Men reported experiencing higher stress levels than women. The stressors rated the highest, such as overload, low pay, or conflict with superiors are not unique to prison employment. Also the factors that involved a threat to one's psychological integrity (conflict with superiors and slow promotion) were more stressful than those that included a physical threat. Ten recommendations are offered for reducing the substantial levels of burnout and stress experienced by prison personnel. The study involved administering questionnaires to a representative sample of Israel Prison Service employees (n=496). Eleven percent of those who completed questionnaires were interviewed indepth. 4 tables and 59 references