Stress and wellbeing in prison officers

Abstract

Prison officers are at greater risk of work-related stress than most other occupations in the UK (Johnson, et al, 2005). The rates of mental health problems and burnout in the profession are also comparatively high (Kinman et al., 2016; Kunst, 2011). Challenges to the wellbeing of prison staff include heavy workloads, lack of autonomy and support, low resources, role stressors and exposure to aggression and violence (Finney et al,. 2013). In this chapter we draw on research conducted by ourselves and others that identifies the key stressors experienced by UK prison officers and the implications for their wellbeing and job performance. Particular focus is placed on our research that has utilised the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards framework to diagnose the psychosocial hazards experienced by prison staff, but other stressors, such as personal experiences of aggression and violence, poor recovery opportunities and presenteeism, are also considered. We argue that carefully targeted, multi-level interventions are needed to address the challenges faced by the sector and identify priorities for future research.