Learning from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of all 14 correctional services in Canada about the mental health and well-being of Correctional Workers: A national focus

• In Event: Disruption and Regrouping: Learning about Prisons and Moving Beyond What’s Always Been

Abstract

The current presentation reflects on findings from two major research projects – the Correctional Worker Mental Health and Well-being Study (MHWS) (i.e., surveys of every provincial and territorial correctional service in Canada about their mental health and wellbeing) and the Canadian Correctional Workers’ Well-being, Organizations, Roles, and Knowledge Study (CCWORK) (a to date eight year longitudinal study on changing officer mental and wellness in Canada’s federal correctional service). From these two datasets equating to over 5000 participants, I talk about correctional worker mental health, well-being, and organizational considerations that are shared to some degree across all correctional services in Canada. I explore the state of safety, security, and wellness in correctional culture and climate in Canada with recognition of how all that constitutes trauma informs both culture and climate. I address how linchpin factors (e.g., outcomes from short staffing, retention and recruitment challenges, resources, investigations, gossip) found across federal, provincial, and/or territorial correctional organizations shape health and cultural outcomes for people working in correctional services. I also propose areas of focus for correctional organizations (e.g., supportive environments, less gossip, more teamwork/teamliness) to cultivate a positive correctional culture and climate and potentially reduce compromised health and other related issues.

Author

• Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University of Newfoundland