A Systematic Review of Research on Correctional Officers

• In Event: Stress, Trauma, and Coping among Correctional Officers

Abstract

Correctional officers work in environments that pose unique physiological and psychological risks (e.g., victimization, job stress). Limited research has examined the causes and correlates of these occupational risks across studies. In this study, we present findings from a systematic review of the literature regarding correctional officers published between 1980 and 2016. High impact and specialty (e.g., corrections) journals from criminology, sociology, and psychology are examined to identify and report the frequency of the causes and correlates of various occupational risks across studies. The identification of the causes and correlates of occupational risks (e.g., victimization, job stress) can advance empirical knowledge and inform policies to reduce adverse correctional officer experiences.

Authors

• Alexander Pettyjohn, Sam Houston State University

• H. Daniel Butler, Sam Houston State University

• Melinda Tasca, Sam Houston State University

• Channing Carpenter, Sam Houston State University