Correction Workers' Burnout and Outcomes: A Bayesian Network Approach.

Jin Lee,Martin Cherniack,Robert Henning

doi:10.3390/ijerph16020282

Abstract

The present study seeks to demonstrate how Bayesian Network analysis can be used to support Total Worker Health® research on correction workers by (1) revealing the most probable scenario of how psychosocial and behavioral outcome variables in corrections work are interrelated and (2) identifying the key contributing factors of this interdependency relationship within the unique occupational context of corrections work. The data from 353 correction workers from a state department of corrections in the United States were utilized. A Bayesian Network analysis approach was used to probabilistically sort out potential interrelations among various psychosocial and behavioral variables. The identified model revealed that work-related exhaustion may serve as a primary driver of occupational stress and impaired workability, and also that exhaustion limits the ability of correction workers to get regular physical exercise, while their interrelations with depressed mood, a lack of work engagement, and poor work-family balance were also noted. The results suggest the importance of joint consideration of psychosocial and behavioral factors when investigating variables that may impact health and wellbeing of correction workers. Also, they supported the value of adopting the Total Worker Health® framework, a holistic strategy to integrate prevention of work-related injury and illness and the facilitation of worker well-being, when considering integrated health protection and promotion interventions for workers in high-risk occupations.

Highlights

Correction workers work under psychologically and physically demanding conditions [1,2,3]
Increased disengagement was found to be associated with work-related stress, while depressed mood was closely associated with less regular physical activity
A stress-to-burnout directional relationship has been widely accepted in previous studies [8,9], the present study showed that burnout may be associated with derivative stress, which is subsequent to employee disengagement

Summary

Introduction

Correction workers work under psychologically and physically demanding conditions [1,2,3]. They are frequently exposed to unexpected hold-over shift work that may result in circadian disruption, sleep loss, and increased fatigue. Working conditions in the correctional setting are known to be associated with numerous types of health and performance outcomes, including immediate outcomes, like exhaustion and psychological distress, as well as more distant outcomes, like job dissatisfaction and impaired work ability [5]. U.S Department of Justice, correction workers, including correctional officers and administrative and support staff, are at higher risk of suicide, substance abuse, and divorce, while their mortality rate is the second highest of any occupation [6]. High turnover rates have been reported [7]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion