Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess traumatic stress and burnout in probation officers who work with criminal offenders.
Adult probation officers from five departments in three states (Arizona, California, and Texas) participated in this study
(N = 309). Officers completed several survey instruments including the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (Weiss & Marmar, 1997), the Compassion Satisfaction/Fatigue Self-Test for Helpers (Steed & Bicknell, 2001), and the Probation Personal Impact Scale (PPI). The results indicated officers who reported violent and sexual recidivism
on their caseloads, offender suicide, and threats and/or assaults in the line of duty scored significantly higher on measures
of traumatic stress and burnout than officers who did not experience these caseload events. Assessments, education, training,
and stress management programs are discussed as options to mitigate negative impacts, enhance the resiliency of officers,
and improve the quality of evidence-based practices.
Adult probation officers from five departments in three states (Arizona, California, and Texas) participated in this study
(N = 309). Officers completed several survey instruments including the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (Weiss & Marmar, 1997), the Compassion Satisfaction/Fatigue Self-Test for Helpers (Steed & Bicknell, 2001), and the Probation Personal Impact Scale (PPI). The results indicated officers who reported violent and sexual recidivism
on their caseloads, offender suicide, and threats and/or assaults in the line of duty scored significantly higher on measures
of traumatic stress and burnout than officers who did not experience these caseload events. Assessments, education, training,
and stress management programs are discussed as options to mitigate negative impacts, enhance the resiliency of officers,
and improve the quality of evidence-based practices.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s12103-012-9165-3
- Authors
- Kirsten R. Lewis, Maricopa County Adult Probation Department, 620 W. Jackson St. 2nd floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
- Ladonna S. Lewis, Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Tina M. Garby, Psychological and Consulting Services, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Journal American Journal of Criminal Justice
- Online ISSN 1936-1351
- Print ISSN 1066-2316