Stress and burnout among prison personnel: Sources, outcomes, and intervention strategies

This study identifies the typical stressors affecting individuals working in the prison system in Israel and assesses the outcomes resulting from these stressors. A representative sample of Israel Prison Service employees (N = 496) participate in the study. Participants complete questionnaires designed to assess the stressors in their work and their levels of stress and burnout, and 11% of them are interviewed in-depth. Results show that prison employees experience high levels of stress and burnout in their work. In addition, significant differences in stress reactions are found among different sectors (security, administration, and treatment) and among employees differing in rank and seniority. The most stressful factors were working extra shifts without compensation, low salary, and heavy workload. Recommendations are offered focusing on ways to prevent and reduce stress and burnout among prison personnel.