Pervasive Uncertainty under Threat: Mental Health Disorders and Experiences of Uncertainty for Correctional Workers

Abstract

Exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events for correctional workers is high. However, the mechanisms driving the high prevalence are relatively unexplained. Using data from a cross-sectional, online survey of correctional service workers ( n = 845) in Ontario, Canada, collected in 2017–2018, we assess the prevalence of mental disorders with a specific focus on uncertainty in the workplace and between correctional roles. We find that correctional officers, institutional governance, and probation/parole officers appear most at risk of mental disorders (prevalence of any mental disorder was 56.9%, 60.3%, and 59.2%, respectively). We argue slightly lower prevalence among institutional wellness, training, and administrative staff may result in part from their more predictable work environment, where they have more control. The results reaffirm a need for evidence-based proactive mental health activities, knowledge translation, and treatment and a need to explore how authority without control (i.e., unpredictability at work) can inform employee mental health.

Organizational Factors and Their Impact on Mental Health in Public Safety Organizations

“…Operational factors are considered to be the unavoidable aspects of public safety work, sometimes referred to as the content of the work. Two articles identified a positive relationship between work role and mental health outcomes [ 93 , 100 ]. For example, police officers working in “Operational Support” roles demonstrated lower odds of developing PTSD compared to investigations officers [ 100 ].…”

“…In another study, correctional workers in Institutional Governance (e.g., superintendents, and correctional managers) had higher mean PTSD scores than those working in Institutional Wellness (e.g., nurses, social workers, psychologists, etc.) [ 93 ]. Furthermore, participants working in institutional correctional services demonstrated higher problematic alcohol use scores than participants working in Institutional Wellness, Institutional Administration (e.g., administrative assistants), and Community Supervision Officers (e.g., parole and probation officers) [ 93 ].…”

“…[ 93 ]. Furthermore, participants working in institutional correctional services demonstrated higher problematic alcohol use scores than participants working in Institutional Wellness, Institutional Administration (e.g., administrative assistants), and Community Supervision Officers (e.g., parole and probation officers) [ 93 ]. Department setting ( n = 1) was another positive operational factor; working in suburban, urban, and mixed departments was associated with a lower risk of depression, PTSD, and suicidality scales compared to rural departments [ 56 ].…”

“…Articles listed psychological demands [ 25 , 29 ] and high workload as negative operational factors. Perceived threat to safety [ 72 ] and role [ 93 ] were the only operational factors identified which positively influenced mental health outcomes for this population.…”

Benefits of Digital Mental Health Care Interventions for Correctional Workers and Other Public Safety Personnel: A Narrative Review

“…An eclectic mix of digital mental health interventions with variable therapist involvement has the potential to foster precision mental health and improve care (127-129). Providing treatment options may bring forth a greater sense of control, autonomy and trust, making it more appealing for CWs who rely on these factors in the workplace (130,131). In a sample of US CWs, 55% agree and 33% strongly agree that staff behavior influences the behavior of those incarcerated in the unit (11).…”