NCJ Number
148731
Journal
American Jails Dated: (September-October 1993) Pages: 21-30
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A sample of 110 male inmates, 14 female inmates, and 79 prison staff members completed a questionnaire regarding the stressors they experienced within the facility.
Abstract
Both staff and inmates experienced more psychological than physical symptoms as a result of stress. Staff appeared to use physical exercise as their primary stress-coping mechanism, while inmates, who were limited in their accessibility to physical exercise, also used reading, writing, and talking with other inmates as methods of relieving stress. Boredom was cited by inmates as the single most stressful aspect of incarceration; both inmates and staff recommended enhanced programming as a means of combating boredom. Staff members reported that having to deal with hostile and demanding inmates was the most stressful aspect of their job; most believed improving communications would be the best technique to reduce their stress. 8 tables