Exploring Job-Related Stress and Job Satisfaction Amongst Correctional Officers and Correctional Staff

Abstract

The role and responsibility of the correctional officer has increased in both complexity and difficulty over time. This expanded role can be categorized into four main tasks: (1) security--providing surveillance inside the prison; (2) service--looking after inmate needs; (3) helping inmates adjust to life inside the facility; and (4) helping inmates prepare to re-enter the community (Griffiths & Murdoch, 2018). Due to both the carceral environment and the nature of the work performed by the correctional officer, decreased job satisfaction, experiences of stress and burnout, and poor mental health have become prevalent (Hepburn & Knepper, 1993; Armstrong & Griffin, 2004; Finney et al., 2013; Lambert et al., 2010; Isenhardt et al., 2019). The present study provides insight into level of job-related stress level and job satisfaction of prison staff and correctional officers within the Canadian context. More specifically, this project examines differences between prison staff and correctional officers in job-related stress and job satisfaction, across correctional security levels. An original 28-item anonymous survey was administered to 46 correctional officers and correctional staff. Findings from the survey identify similarities between the occupation groups in perceptions of safety and the perceived value of their role to the public. Findings indicate several differences in perceptions of impact of work, information received from management, level of team cooperation, level of respect from supervisor, and value of their role to the inmates. Similarities in perception across security levels were also found (perception of personal fulfillment and pride in work), as were similarities across previously worked security level (experiences of tension, and feelings of stress, anxiety, frustration, worry, emotional exhaustion, and distress).