Overwhelmed Authorities: the Effects of Chronic Stress in Corrections

This was a qualitative research study which examined the impact that chronic stress had on the job satisfaction and career burnout in the Correctional Officer population. Using a sample of 71 Officers in the State of Maine, the author conducted a series of tests including use of a simple demographic survey, the Occupational Stress Inventory- Revised (OSI-R), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Results showed a significant correlation between both job stress and job satisfaction, and job stress and burnout, demonstrating a need for facility administration to have means available to help Officers cope with, and reduce, occupational stress. This thereby would increase the likelihood that Officers would remain at their respective Correctional Facility longer and be happy with their working conditions.