Predictors of Job Burnout among Southern Prison Staff
ORCID
Haynes: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1408-9291; May: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8275-6773
MSU Affiliation
College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Sociology
Creation Date
2026-06-01
Abstract
Working in a prison can be demanding and challenging. Existing research suggests that job burnout among prison staff is a substantial concern. The current study used the job demands-resources model to examine how job demands and resources predict the three main dimensions of job burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and feeling ineffective at work. The demands studied were perceived dangerousness of the job, role ambiguity, and role overload, while resources were job variety, quality supervision, and job autonomy. OLS regression analysis of survey data from 322 correctional staff at a large, Southern U.S. prison indicated that role overload and dangerousness were significant predictors of higher emotional exhaustion, while job variety and quality of supervision were significant predictors of lower emotional exhaustion. Role ambiguity and role overload were predictors of higher depersonalization, while job autonomy was a negative predictor. Interestingly, dangerousness was a significant predictor of feeling more effective at work.
Publication Date
4-3-2026
Publication Title
Criminal Justice Studies
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group; Routledge
Recommended Citation
Lambert, E. G., Haynes, S. H., May, D., Leone, M. C., & Solinas-Saunders, M. (2026). Predictors of job burnout among Southern prison staff. Criminal Justice Studies, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478601X.2026.2654451
