NCJ Number
154210
Journal
Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (1994) Pages: 71-83
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study aims to identify specific stressors in the work life of American trial judges, to assess the relationship of a judge's work environment to stress considered as response, to examine the relationship between stress as a response and psychological impairment, and to explore the moderating role of certain psychological factors on stress.
Abstract
Eighty-eight trial judges completed the National Judges Health Stress Questionnaire, the Judical Stress Inventory, and the Brief Report Inventory. The study showed positive correlations between stress and case variety, case backload, and pressure to move cases. The findings were consistent with research on stress in other occupations in terms of the importance of control over one's workday to contain stress levels. Factor analysis demonstrated that judicial stress could be classified by type of case, type of litigating party, purpose of a decision, judge's value conflicts, and seriousness of an offense. Finally, exercising judicial discretion and case management were found to be highly stressful work-related activities. The evidence regarding mitigating psychosocial factors was inconclusive. 4 tables and 40 notes