The factor affecting job stress and psychosocial well-being of prison officers

Abstract

This study was to find out the factors affecting job stress and psychosocial well-being of the prison officers. This study was performed on 217 prison officers working in prison from February 2005 with questionnaires which were composed of general characteristics, job characteristics, stress factors and psychosocial well-being. The mean score of job stress and psychosocial well-being of prison officers were 54.0 and 26.0, respectfully. The job stress score was higher in the group of medical treatment within 1 year, shift work and direct contact with the prisoners. The psychosocial well-being score was higher in the group of medical treatment within 1 year, shift work, lower grade and direct contact with the prisoners. As a result of multiple regression analysis, job stress was significantly affected by experience of medical treatment within 1 year and department of direct contact with prisoners. As a result of multiple regression analysis, psychosocial well-being was significantly affected by experience of medical treatment within 1 year, grade and department of direct contact with prisoners. Job stress and psychosocial well-being of prison officers were closely related to the experience of medical treatment, shift work and direct contact with prisoners. Therefore, it suggests that prison officers need to be provided with the health promotion program and the employment assistance program.