Psychological Flexibility Training for Community Corrections Staff: A Pilot Project Examining Impact on Burnout

Abstract

ABSTRACT Corrections staff experience high levels of stress due to large caseloads and difficulty managing the challenges of being both a rule enforcer and agent of behavior change. These factors can contribute to myriad professional and personal challenges including burnout. Very few existing interventions have been examined to improve burnout in community corrections staff. The current study examined the impact of a brief psychological flexibility training (PFT) program for burnout among community-based corrections staff. This novel program was based on principles of acceptance and mindfulness and delivered via 3 virtual sessions over 8 weeks. This pilot test of PFT was conducted with a sample of corrections staff (N = 99) by collecting pre-intervention and follow-up data on self-reported psychological flexibility and burnout. Results indicated that burnout decreased from pre-treatment to follow-up, and psychological flexibility increased. Levels of psychological flexibility at follow-up predicted decreased burnout. This small exploratory pilot indicates that PFT has potential for improving psychological flexibility and burnout in corrections staff.