PTSD and Mental Health Among Correctional Officers: Recent Findings and Future Research

• In Event: Roundtable: Empirical Observations from The Scandinavian Prison Project - Little Scandinavia and Beyond

Abstract

Over the lifespan of the SPP, the experiences and perceptions of prison officers have become increasingly important. As a professional group, correctional staff experience high rates of occupational stress and trauma exposure, yet PTSD among this population remains understudied. This presentation presents results from a recent administration of the PC-PTSD-5 screening tool to officers at SCI Chester, alongside demographic and occupational measures. Results indicate that 18–26% of staff met diagnostic criteria, substantially exceeding general population estimates. Beyond formal PTSD diagnosis, staff reported having experienced traumatic events at alarmingly high rates, and this may have substantial impacts on the individual regardless of whether they meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD. We discuss the potential impacts of the mental health of correctional staff on both individual well-being, institutional culture and the experiences of incarcerated individuals, and discuss how we can further develop our research agenda to better capture these aspects of the prison environment.

Authors

• Gabrielle Crain, University of Pennsylvania

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• Synøve Andersen, University of Oslo