ABSTRACT
Research on stress in police and correctional officers has proliferated over the past several years. Investigative efforts addressing police stress is expansive and includes its causes, consequences, and assessment (Sheehan & Van Hasselt, 2003; Van Hasselt, Sheehan, Sellers, Baker, & Feiner, 2003). However, correctional officer stress research is limited in its extent and scope, focusing primarily on the identification of the sources of stress (Cheek & Miller, 1983; Finn, 1998; Grossi, Keil, & Gennaro, 1996). The deleterious consequences of stress in the field of corrections are well documented and include: extended use of sick leave, job turnover, understaffing, hostility and violence by officers (Dowden & Tellier, 2004; Finn, 1998). Further, institutional liability may increase due to incidents of officer-to-inmate violence. The implications of stress at home are also important to understand with regard to both marriages and families. It is important to determine the various causes of stress, especially those that are unique to the field of corrections, and the effects on both the individual and the institution. Such information is needed to identify and implement stress assessments and interventions for this unique population.
