Work-related stress and coping among correctional officers: Implications from organizational literature

Using self-report data from a sample of correctional officers at a medium security prison, this article examines two questions. First, are there similarities in the particular sources of stress for correctional officers and those described in the organizational literature as sources of stress among employees of other organizations? Second, given the particular sources of stress identified, what are the most effective coping mechanisms utilized by correctional officers? The analysis reveals that correctional officers experience many of the same organizational level stressors as those identified within the broader occupational literature, as well as those unique to their profession. Additionally, correctional officers appear to utilize personal coping mechanisms for successfully reducing overall levels of job stress. Those same coping mechanisms, however, do not appear to mediate the effects of organizational sources of stress. The findings support the inclusion of the broader occupational literature on stress and coping in correctional officer stress research. Additionally, the findings suggest the need for administrators of correctional facilities to develop resources to assist officers in dealing with stress.