A Qualitative Study of Organizational and Psychosocial Factors in the Burnout of Italian Correctional Officers

Abstract

Correctional officers (COs) are subject to the development of burnout syndrome. This investigation focuses on those factors that contribute to burnout syndrome in COs who work in Italian penitentiary institutions. Utilizing a qualitative methodology with 50 northern Italian COs, the study finds burnout to be caused by two types of factors, organizational and psychosocial. Notably, the results highlight feelings of anguish, sadness, and abandonment and CO requests for psychological help.

The Intercultural Sensitivity of Italian Correctional Officers Between Life Satisfaction and Burnout

“…Analysis of the results also shows that most participants perceive a high level of burnout caused mainly by DP and lack of PA. This finding is in line with both the international (Andersen et al, 2017; Lambert et al, 2012) and national (Baudino, 2014; Rania et al, 2020; Viotti, 2016; Viotti et al, 2017) literature, which concludes that working within the prison context leads to high levels of stress and DP (Margi & Rosenbloom, 2021). Lambert et al (2018) also highlight how work involvement can be a protective factor from developing stress.…”

“…Regarding marital status, those who are single/unmarried are less absorbed in their work and take more pleasure in interacting with people from different cultures than those who are divorced/separated; they also report lower scores in the EE dimension than those who are married/cohabiting. This finding may be explained both by the need to balance work and family life and because, as reported by Rania et al (2020), many COs in Italy live far from their families. Further, when they request a transfer to a work location closer to their residence, the criteria by which this is achieved are not always clear.…”

“…Research conducted by D’Angelo et al (2018) found that COs perceive themselves as less competent in embracing the culture of punishment aimed at rehabilitating inmates. Subsequent research conducted by Rania et al (2020) revealed how a lack of competence in managing inmates is perceived as a source of stress. Past research by Lambert et al (2012) has shown that allowing COs to perceive more control over their work conveys to them the idea of being valued and respected; the perception of greater autonomy also allows them to be more productive.…”

“…Viotti (2016), Viotti et al (2017) and Rania et al (2020) documented that the relationship with prisoners represents a stressor that negatively affects the physical, cognitive, and, above all, emotional well-being of COs. In addition, the prison officer's guilt and perceived helplessness due to the inability to help inmates are seen as another source of stress (Viotti, 2016).…”

“This Job has Changed Me”: Work Life Conflict, Self and Social Identity in Correctional Work

“…Another cumulative impact is burnout, referring to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased personal accomplishment (Maslach et al, 2001). Studies highlight that burnout is prevalent among correctional workers in different national contexts (e.g., Useche et al, 2019), with negative implications for well-being and quality of life (e.g., Rania et al, 2020). Staff experiencing burnout may withdraw not only at work but in personal spheres (Lambert et al, 2010a).…”