Justin S. Trounson

Correctional officers and workplace adversity: identifying interpersonal, cognitive, and behavioral response tendencies

This study explored correctional officers’ response tendencies (i.e., cognitive, interpersonal, and behavioral response patterns they engage in) when managing workplace adversity. In total, 53 Australian correctional officers participated in the study. Eight exploratory focus group discussions (n = 42) were conducted to identify a set of officer-endorsed response tendencies. Thematic analysis of group data revealed that correctional officers engage in a range of response tendencies when facing workplace adversity and that these tendencies may be categorized as interpersonally, cognitively, or behaviorally based. Semistructured interviews (n = 11) were then conducted to provide further depth of information regarding officer response tendency usage. Results are discussed in terms of common themes, future research, and implications for developing training programs designed to ameliorate the effects of workplace adversity.

Indigenous Youth Crime: An International Perspective

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research and programs related to Indigenous youth crime across four jurisdictions with significant Indigenous populations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States). The chapter itself has been organized into several sections in order to more readily provide readers with a conceptual framework as well as identifiable gaps in the literature. After reviewing the jurisdictional and contextual information specific to each of the four countries, a conceptual framework is provided which identifies the various contributing factors to this issue and categorizes them according to whether they are systemic or individual. The chapter then reviews a number of system-based and targeted frontline programs that have been implemented in the four jurisdictions and provides commentary on their effectiveness and evidence-base. Finally, the chapter provides a review of the gaps in the literature, highlighting the need for additional research which is culturally responsive, gender-responsive, and inclusive of current trends in the field.

Perceived workplace adversity and correctional officer psychological well-being: an international examination of the impact of officer response styles

Abstract Correctional officers work in a highly challenging environment and are at a heightened risk of a range of negative stress-related health conditions. This study examines how correctional officer responses to adversity moderate the association between perceived workplace adversity and psychological well-being. The aim was to assess the degree that perceived workplace adversity predicts correctional officer psychological well-being and the subsequent impact on negative organizational outcomes such as absenteeism, presenteeism and job dissatisfaction. Hundred and seventy four officers completed an online questionnaire including measures of perceived workplace adversity, officer responses, psychological well-being and organizational impact. Structural Equation Modelling revealed that a heightened perception of workplace adversity predicted lower psychological well-being and in turn increased negative organizational impacts. Analyses indicated that using an interpersonal/solution focused response style moderated the relationship between perceived workplace adversity and psychological well-being, reducing its negative impact on well-being and in turn the frequency of negative organizational impacts. These findings offer insight into how officers’ perceptions of their working environment and how they respond to workplace adversity influence their psychological well-being and the organizations that employ them.