Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Henry Cellini

Abstract

Burnout rates of correctional employees are higher than employees in the general public. The purpose of this study was to identify how occupational factors impact burnout rates among correctional mental health workers. Grounded in the job-demands theoretical model, this study compared burnout rates among mental health staff within county jails and state prisons. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Occupational factors were measured using the Areas of Work life Survey and Pandemic Experience and Perception Survey. Data was analyzed using IBM SSPS software to address multiple a priori directional research questions. Research questions considered how occupational factors impact burnout of this population. Key results indicated no significant difference in burnout rates among mental health providers, though found “workload” and “control” to be significant predictors of emotional exhaustion in both jails and prisons, and “reward” a significant predictor of personal accomplishment in prisons. “Risk perception” and “work life” were predictors of emotional exhaustion during a global pandemic. Future studies should expand the research on the variable “workload” with burnout and consider utilizing the demographic data collected to identify additional correlations. Implications for positive social change include prevention of burnout in correctional settings resulting in lower staff turnover, improved staff quality of life, and increased quality of treatment. Knowing the factors that contribute to burnout in these populations allows for intervention prior to burnout.

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