Work-life and well-being in UK Therapeutic Prison Officers: A Thematic Analysis

Emma Walker, Helen Egan, Craig Jackson, Matthew Tonkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Previous research has clearly demonstrated the positive impact of therapeutic interventions on offenders’ well-being. Much less is known about the impact on prison staff facilitating and delivering such interventions. We employed qualitative methodology to capture a deeper understanding of the work of therapeutic prison officers. Seven prison officers working in a U.K. Category B therapeutic community prison were interviewed about their working lives, including their own participation in therapy. Following a thematic analysis approach, key findings indicated that the physical and cultural work environment was very important to staff; the therapeutic element of their job role, although demanding, was both satisfying and rewarding; and that working in a therapeutic prison environment provided the opportunity for personal as well as professional development. We conclude that further attention should be given to the unique nature of therapeutic prison work and the positive impact it can have on well-being at work.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4528-4544
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
Volume62
Issue number14
Early online date7 Jun 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • well-being
  • prisons
  • occupation
  • therapeutic communities
  • work–life
  • work-related stress.

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