ABSTRACT

This study uses data based on a random sample of correctional officers from eight different correctional facilities in the Northeast, to analyze strain, distress, and substance use through the lens of General Strain Theory (GST). This paper specifically seeks to establish correctional officers as a necessary component of mass incarceration research by explaining how their environment can lead to maladaptive behaviors. This is done by elaborating on how the environment of corrections institutions fosters various levels of distress in its employees, thereby leading to detrimental behavioral alterations such as substance use. Results indicate that higher levels of workplace strain either lead to substance use, or facilitate greater substance use, however this relationship is attenuated by occupational distress. This study shows that the very structure of the incarceration institution places workplace strain on employees which indirectly cause detrimental behavior augmentations.

摘要

本研究使用基于来自东北部八个不同惩教设施的惩教人员随机抽样的数据，通过一般应变理论 (GST) 的视角分析压力、痛苦和物质使用。本文特别试图通过解释他们的环境如何导致适应不良行为，将惩教人员确立为大规模监禁研究的必要组成部分。这是通过详细说明惩教机构的环境如何在其员工中培养不同程度的痛苦，从而导致有害的行为改变，如物质使用来完成的。结果表明，较高水平的工作场所压力要么导致物质使用，要么促进更多物质使用，但这种关系因职业困扰而减弱。