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22 J. Contemp. Crim. Just. 4 (2006)

handle is hein.journals/jccj22 and id is 1 raw text is: 












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of  Stress Among Correctional Officers

Marie  L. Griffin
Arizona  State University


   Studies have described the stressful and hazardous nature of working within the correc-
   tional environment as well as the way in which female officers encounter additional
   workplace pressures associated with their entry into a nontraditional occupation. This
   study advances the literature on gender and stress by examining the gendered influence
   of multiple environmental variables on the job stress of correctional officers. Contrary to
   expectations, there were few differences between male and female officers in the effects
   of workplace stressors on their level ofjob stress. Work-family conflict proved to have the
   greatest impact on stress for both male and female officers, whereas concerns regarding
   organizational support for equal treatment policies affected stress only among male
   officers.

   Keywords:   correctional officers; stress; prisons; gender


In   most workplace  settings, stress is a daily occurrence. Studies spanning a myriad
   of occupations and  organizations have identified both the sources of job-related
stress as well as the often negative behavioral outcomes associated with high levels of
stress (Grossi, Keil, & Vito,  1996; Lambert,  2004;  Lambert,  Edwards,  Camp,   &
Saylor, 2005; Moon  & Maxwell,  2004; Robinson,  Porporino, & Simourd,  1997; Slate,
Vogel, &  Johnson, 2001; Van  Voorhis, Cullen, Link, & Wolfe,  1991; Walters, 1996).
Similar to employees   in other large organizations, correctional officers encounter
multiple sources of stress. Prior studies have shown that relationships with coworkers
and supervisors, as well as one's perception of the broader organization, were sources
of work-related stress (Brodsky, 1982; Cullen, Link, Wolfe, & Frank, 1985; Lindquist
&  Whitehead,  1986; Poole & Regoli, 1980; Triplett, Mullings, & Scarborough, 1996).
More  recent studies have examined the pressures associated with work-family conflict


Author's Note: The author appreciates the support and cooperation of the Arizona Department of Correc-
tions in conducting this research. The findings and conclusions are those of the author and do not necessarily
represent the views of the Arizona Department of Corrections. The author also wishes to thank Arizona State
University and the College of Human Services for providing a grant in support of this research. Correspon-
dence should be sent to Marie L. Griffin, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Arizona State
University, PO Box 37100, Phoenix, AZ, 85069-7100.


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