Exploring the Influences of Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Strategies on Correctional Officer Burnout

• In Event: Correctional Officers Coping with Stress, Burnout, and Danger

Abstract

While it has been well-established that correctional staff suffer from high levels of job burnout and many factors associated with job burnout have been investigated, much of the existing research has focused on demographics and work environment characteristics. The possible influences of anxiety and depression have not been explored, and neither has the role of coping strategies. Therefore, using a sample of 250 correctional officers from 7 adult institutions in one Southern state, the current study explores the relationships between anxiety, depression, and coping strategies with job burnout. First, the study examines whether higher levels of anxiety and/or depression are associated with higher levels of job burnout. Second, whether various coping strategies are associated with job burnout is assessed. Last, the study explores whether coping strategies moderate the relationships between anxiety, depression, and job burnout. That is, do certain coping strategies mitigate or exacerbate the influences of anxiety and depression on job burnout? Recommendations for future research and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Bethany Bray, University of Louisville

• Kristin Swartz, University of Louisville