NCJ Number
144881
Journal
Human Relations Volume: 43 Issue: 6 Dated: (1990) Pages: 551-572
Date Published
1990
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article examines the occupational stress of prison officers and the value of exercise in offsetting such stress, based on research findings, literature reviews, and a visit to a prison currently operating a staff exercise program during duty hours.
Abstract
Research on occupational stress demonstrates that the job of prison officers has high stress potential, and a review of the literature on physiological, psychological, and organizational benefits of physical exercise to reduce occupational stress shows that exercise has positive benefits. In addition to visiting the prison with a staff exercise program, other similar prisons were contacted by questionnaire to obtain comparable statistical data on overtime and sickness rates. Questionnaires also sought the opinions of management officials regarding occupational stress and the feasibility of introducing staff exercise programs to reduce stress. Indepth interviews were also conducted with selected staff who experienced an illness associated with stress. Overall, it was found that physical exercise and general fitness have positive benefits in stress management and prevention. More rigorous research is recommended to investigate perceived and actual benefits of physical exercise in reducing occupational stress. 58