Abstract
<strong>Background:</strong> Burnout is typically high among correctional officers. By a training intervention in the flexible communication style ‘everyday conversations’ as a way to increase job-related resources, this study aimed to reduce burnout in Swedish correctional officers. <strong>Methods:</strong> In a stepped wedged waiting list design, 13 prison wards with 266 employees were randomized to the everyday conversations intervention at different time points during the study period. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey scales over 16 time points. <strong>Results:</strong> A significant reduction in cynicism was found. In addition, moderation effects relating to personal motivators and characteristics were found. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> There is feasibility and potential to implement communication skills to reduce burnout among employees in real-life prison settings.
Highlights
Job stress constitutes a substantial problem to the labour market, as it leads to serious consequences and costs for the individual, for the workplace and for society (Hassard et al, 2014)
Estimated means of the three outcome variables— emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy—divided per control and intervention condition for each time point are displayed in Figures 2–4 of which visual inspections does not render any clear change in trend as an effect of the intervention
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of training in everyday conversations on psychological measures of burnout in correctional officers in Sweden
Summary
Job stress constitutes a substantial problem to the labour market, as it leads to serious consequences and costs for the individual, for the workplace and for society (Hassard et al, 2014). Correctional officers in uppermiddle and high-income countries are highly affected by job stress and burnout (Bezerra Cde et al, 2016; Harizanova & Tarnovska, 2013; Keinan & Malach-Pines, 2007; Schaufeli & Peeters, 2000). This is the case in Sweden (Harenstam & Theorell, 1990; Härenstam et al, 1988). By a training intervention in the flexible communication style ‘everyday conversations’ as a way to increase job-related resources, this study aimed to reduce burnout in Swedish correctional officers. Conclusion: There is feasibility and potential to implement communication skills to reduce burnout among employees in real-life prison settings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
