ARTICLE: An Exploratory Study of Occupational and Secondary Traumatic Stress Among a Mid-sized Public Defenders’ Office

Elizabeth Dotson (Washington State University),David C Brody (Washington State University),Ruibin Lu (Stockton University)

doi:10.21428/b6e95092.bd0b6f19

Elizabeth Dotson (Washington State University), David C Brody (Washington State University) + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.21428/b6e95092.bd0b6f19

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Abstract

Elizabeth Dotson, David C. Brody, and Ruibin Lu examine occupational stress in a public defenders' office. They identify occupational stress and secondary traumatic stress. These stressors had a negative impact on job satisfaction among the attorneys in the study.

Highlights

The impact of stress on the mental and physical well-being of criminal justice professionals is of critical import for the effective operation of the criminal justice system
This paper presents the results from an exploratory study which examines the levels of severe occupational stress and secondary traumatic stress experienced by a sample of public defenders in a single public defense office
Public defenders are an integral part of the criminal justice system, yet their needs and responsibilities are often overlooked through systemwide emphasis on efficiency over effectiveness

Summary

Introduction

The impact of stress on the mental and physical well-being of criminal justice professionals is of critical import for the effective operation of the criminal justice system. While a number of studies have examined various forms of stress among law enforcement and correctional officers, minimal research has examined the presence and impact of stressors among individuals working in the criminal courts This exploratory study examines whether indigent defense attorneys suffer from occupational stress and secondary traumatic stress. Regression analyses indicated that secondary traumatic stress and severe occupational stress had significant negative impacts on attorney job satisfaction. Journal of Criminal Justice and Law: Official Journal of the Law and Public Policy Section of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences traumatic stress These stressors can lead to serious physical and mental maladies, as well as inhibit an attorney’s ability to think clearly, modulate their emotions, and provide effective of representation (Krieger, 1998), and have a negative impact on the operation of the criminal court system. On the other hand, decreasing the levels of occupational stress and secondary trauma experienced by attorneys is likely to increase their mental well-being, health, and levels of job satisfaction

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