High risk, low reward: a mixed method exploration of correctional officer mental health and perceptions of prison work

Correctional Officers (COs) are exposed to unique workplace demands which have been associated with symptoms of psychopathology. However, limited research has explored positive CO mental health outcomes. Therefore, a concurrent mixed method design using quantitative and qualitative survey data from 82 Australian COs (62.2% male) explored their mental health and perceptions of prison work. COs demonstrated moderate mental health, with most being classified as moderately mentally healthy (50%) rather than flourishing (26.8%) or languishing (23.3%). There were no significant associations between mental health categorization and gender, ethnicity, relationship status, education, prior frontline work experience, or prison resident sex. Most officers viewed prison work as a frontline job (Theme 1) of high risk (Theme 2) and low reward (Theme 3). Officers who were able to derive meaning from their high-risk work experiences were more likely to flourish than languish. The findings provide guidance on supporting the mental health of COs by reducing the risk and enhancing the reward associated with prison work.