Predictors of Job Stress Among Staff in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Abstract

There have been relatively few studies of job stress among staff of juvenile correctional facilities. The Job Stress subscale of the Prison Social Climate Survey, which has been used extensively in studies of adult facility staff, was completed by 443 staff (72.1% of those surveyed) working in residential placement facilities and group homes operated by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. Job stress scores were regressed on a wide range of potential predictors. The significant predictor variables were all related to the work environment; background variables had no predictive utility. Lower staff stress was predicted by organizational satisfaction and commitment, job satisfaction, and sense of personal efficacy. Staff who perceived less danger in the work environment and those who did not supervise other staff reported lower stress. Implications of the findings for policy and practice are discussed.