The stresses encountered by prison wardens and their coping strategies used

Abstract

This study explores the stresses which are encountered by prison wardens at Corradino Correctional Facility and the coping strategies used. Six prison wardens were chosen using a convenience sampling method, and they were interviewed using the SQUIN interviewing method (Wengraf, 2001). The data was collected by note-taking, and transcripts were developed from by reconstruction of memory and the short notes. The transcripts were analysed using grounded theory analysis. The findings show that the most salient stressors encountered by the participants are bureaucratic- organisation related (including long hours and the prison environment), work- related (including constant contact with inmates), and external (including the media). The coping strategies used are recreation, problem- focused coping, and smoking and drinking. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for practice, policy and future research.