Abstract
This study examined individual and work-level factors that impact job stress and satisfaction for correctional officers. Existing
research has explored officer job stress and satisfaction, but very few studies have focused specifically on fear of contracting
an infectious disease while at work (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis), and the impact fear of and exposure to infectious
disease have on correctional officer job stress and satisfaction. Random sample data were collected from 2,999 male and female
officers from across the state of Texas to assess job stress, satisfaction, personal safety, and exposure to infectious disease.
Ordinary Least Squares analyses indicated that fear of disease was positively correlated with job stress, and inversely correlated
with job satisfaction. Exposure to disease however, failed to yield any significant effects on job stress or satisfaction.
Officers who felt that their supervisors were supportive of them on the job reported less stress and higher satisfaction levels,
while perceived dangerousness of the job was positively correlated with job stress. These findings highlight the importance
of supervisory support as well as continuous, in-depth education and training on infectious diseases for officers.
research has explored officer job stress and satisfaction, but very few studies have focused specifically on fear of contracting
an infectious disease while at work (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis), and the impact fear of and exposure to infectious
disease have on correctional officer job stress and satisfaction. Random sample data were collected from 2,999 male and female
officers from across the state of Texas to assess job stress, satisfaction, personal safety, and exposure to infectious disease.
Ordinary Least Squares analyses indicated that fear of disease was positively correlated with job stress, and inversely correlated
with job satisfaction. Exposure to disease however, failed to yield any significant effects on job stress or satisfaction.
Officers who felt that their supervisors were supportive of them on the job reported less stress and higher satisfaction levels,
while perceived dangerousness of the job was positively correlated with job stress. These findings highlight the importance
of supervisory support as well as continuous, in-depth education and training on infectious diseases for officers.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s12103-012-9175-1
- Authors
- Deborah J. Hartley, Criminal Justice Department, The University of Texas at Brownsville, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
- Mario A. Davila, Criminal Justice Department, The University of Texas at Brownsville, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
- James W. Marquart, School of Economic, Political & Policy Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75083, USA
- Janet L. Mullings, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
- Journal American Journal of Criminal Justice
- Online ISSN 1936-1351
- Print ISSN 1066-2316