Date of Conferral

9-6-2024

Date of Award

September 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Benita Stiles-Smith

Abstract

Correctional officers face significant mental health challenges due to the high-stress and often traumatic nature of their work environments. This qualitative study used the conservation of resources (COR) theory to underpin exploration of correctional officers’ perceptions of mental health care and psychological help-seeking within personal, organizational, and societal contexts. In-depth interviews were conducted with six correctional officers, three males and three females, to gather detailed insights regarding their perceptions of mental health care and their help-seeking behaviors. Data were analyzed using manual thematic coding, NVivo, and natural language processing tools, to ensure a comprehensive and objective analysis. Key findings were that stigma, confidentiality concerns, trauma, shift work, poor supervision, and organizational inefficiencies were significant barriers to seeking psychological support. Participants emphasized the need for mandatory quarterly mental health check-ins, enhanced early intervention training, and mental health care that was tailored to the unique challenges of correctional officers. This study highlighted the need for organizational support and accessible mental health resources. In addressing barriers and leveraging the COR framework, this research can contribute to positive social change through improved mental health and well-being among correctional officers, leading to healthier and more effective workforces by offering practical recommendations for creating mental health programs that are designed explicitly for correctional officers.

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