ROLE STRESS, CUSTODY ORIENTATION, AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS: A Study of Prison Guards

Shifting correctional philosophies and institutional policies concerning the handling and control of inmates have contributed to experiences of role stress among prison guards. The present study, based on questionnaire responses of 144 prison guards from a maximum security prison, suggests that role...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Criminology (Beverly Hills) 1980-08, Vol.18 (2), p.215-226
Main Authors: Poole, Eric D, Regoli, Robert M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Custody/Custodial
Disciplinary
Guard/Guards/Guarding/Guarded
Prison/Prisons/Prisoner/ Prisoners
Role/Roles
Stress/Stresses
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Summary:Shifting correctional philosophies and institutional policies concerning the handling and control of inmates have contributed to experiences of role stress among prison guards. The present study, based on questionnaire responses of 144 prison guards from a maximum security prison, suggests that role stress is resolved by an intensified commitment to the custodial role. A major consequence of this is a higher rate of disciplinary reports filed by the guards. Apparently, an increased custody orientation disposes guards to a pattern of closer surveillance and control of the inmate population. This study concludes with a discussion of the implications of our findings for guardinmate relationships and for the administration of justice in the prison setting.
ISSN:0011-1384
1745-9125
DOI:10.1111/j.1745-9125.1980.tb01360.x