Exploring Moderating Effects on Job Burnout Among Correctional Staff

• In Event: Burnout, Turnover, Corruption, and Willingness to Report Wrong-doing Among Correctional Staff

Abstract

Burnout among correctional officers has been a long time concern for correctional administrators. Gender differences in burnout that were once found among correctional officers has declined over time. It’s speculated that this decline could be the result of a change in the social environment of corrections officers as women are increasingly employed in prisons. The present study uses data from over 800 correctional staff from all 13 adult correctional facilities in a Southern state. The analysis examines the extent of burnout among this sample of both security and non-security correctional staff, examines whether gender differences exist, whether security staff experience significantly higher levels of burnout than non-security staff, and whether mandatory overtime is associated with higher levels of burnout. Policy implications and recommendations are discussed.

Authors

• Heather Tolle, University of Louisville

• Kristin Swartz, University of Louisville

• Ashley T. French, University of Louisville