| Abstrakt: |
Amid the rising rate of inmate growth in US state and federal prisons, there is an ever increasing strain on the individuals charged with the task of keeping these inmates under lock and key. This strain can manifest itself as heightened levels of stress, burnout, physical ailments, personal or family problems and in some cases depression. Research into the area have detailed occupational correlates (i.e. role conflict and ambiguity, lack of role in decision making, institutional dangerousness, lack of administrative support, negative job stigma) as well as organizational correlates (i.e. job satisfaction, organizational and institutional commitment, perceived professional advancement) that impact officers levels of stress and strain. The present research moves beyond merely examining these general topics (while still accounting for them) to studying how personal relationships may impact officer stress and strain. Using a sample of federal correctional officers who have completed the Prison Social Climate Survey (Saylor 1984), administered to correctional staff on an annual basis, this research examines whether staff who are subjected to inappropriate conduct from other staff, especially sexual harassment, suffer from stress and depression, controlling for previously identified occupational and organizational correlates. The benefits of this research to the organizations are obvious in terms of maintaining a hostility free workplace. However, additional benefits are realized in relation to research examining the monetary costs of stress and depression on staff turnover, absenteeism and lost productivity, as well as, the negative impact of stress on the physical fitness and quality of life of correctional officers themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
