Image source: Photo by Matthew Ansely from unsplash
Longitudinal data lets us understand the how correctional officers' mental health and well-being are affected by personal and professional factors, occupational responsibilities, and their workplaces
Researchers have sought to identify factors that increase correctional officers’ (COs) stress, but have yet to explore those that increase the potentiality for COs to develop psychological disorders or compromised well-being. With the support of Correctional Services Canada (CSC), the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN), and the Union of Safety and Justice Employees (USJE), as well as Memorial U. and IBM, we are conducting a longitudinal study, using yearly surveys, in-person interviews and psychological assessments, to assess changes in mental health and wellbeing among COs. The project involves following at least 500 officers beginning post-recruitment, through training, and into employment.
To support COs, we seek to identify correctional officer recruits’ (CORs) mental health status, coping skills, views, and experiences and to use this information to inform pre-employment preparation and skill provision. We also study how their experiences affect their health and well-being, as well as their perspectives and understandings over the years. Our multidisciplinary research team and study is intended to provide context to the mental health status of CORs, who then become COs, and develop insights into their interpretations of correctional work over time. We will also use the data to inform mental health treatment, prevention, and early intervention strategies designed specifically to improve CO mental health and wellbeing.
