CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND STRESS

Correctional Officers and Stress

Correctional Officers and Stress

The corrections profession has the dubious distinction of being one of the most stressed out jobs in law enforcement. Studies have shown that the work environment affects correctional staff and with this are higher levels of job stress with negative outcomes including; death, health problems, illness, mental health problems, social problems and decreased job performance (Paoline III, Lambert, & Hogan, 2006). Alarmingly Correctional Officers die far sooner than average and have a higher than expected likelihood of: hypertension, heart attacks, ulcers, and other stress related illnesses (Paoline III, Lambert, & Hogan, 2006). These have been accounted for the probability of an overall lack of job satisfaction and can lead to; increased absenteeism, turnover intent, and actual turnover among correctional staff. Low levels of job satisfaction have also been linked to burnout (Paoline III, Lambert, & Hogan, 2006). With job stress there is job burnout and this ultimately leads to a little known concept of compassion fatigue(Tracy, 2007).

In Corrections COs face hardened criminals on a day to day basis in shifts that may stretch from eight to sixteen hours at a time. During these hours Officers go head on with inmates as they face their stressors and attempt to control their own throughout their shift (Adams, 2006).

How COs can deal with the stress

Stress can be categorized in two ways, sever and continual. Acute stress can arise due to short term tribulations or occasionally, and continual stress may arise from continuous burden of problems.

At home, sustaining a correct diet, exercising frequently,getting ample doze, having a steady and communicative connection with family constituents and associates out-of-doors of the policeman force, and prioritizing pieces of significance can assist maintain a wholesome dwelling environment.

At work, having time to work out, gathering constituents of the community, taking ...