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Working in a prison: Challenges, rewards, and the impact on mental health and well-being

Sophie Dennard (North London Forensic Services, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK and King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK)
Derek K. Tracy (Department of Psychosis Studies, Cognition, Schizophrenia and Imaging Laboratory, King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK)
Aaron Beeney (Hm Prison Service, London, UK)
Laura Craster (North London Forensic Services, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK and King’s College London, London, UK)
Fiona Bailey (North London Forensic Services, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK and University College London, London, UK)
Anisah Baureek (Care UK Ltd, London, UK)
Michael Barton (HM Prison Service, London, UK)
Jeanette Turrell (HM Prison Service, London, UK)
Sarah Poynton (HM Prison Service, London, UK)
Vafo Navkarov (HM Prison Service, London, UK)
Radha Kothari (North London Forensic Services, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK)

The Journal of Forensic Practice

ISSN: 2050-8794

Article publication date: 22 June 2021

Issue publication date: 27 July 2021

1728

Abstract

Purpose

Prisons are uniquely challenging working environments. Staff are often exposed to direct and indirect trauma, impacting negatively on their mental well-being. Due to the limited research into prison staff experience, this paper aims to explore what staff find most challenging, how they cope, what support they would like and rewarding aspects of their work.

Design/methodology/approach

This service development project was facilitated through a staff well-being event. A qualitative approach was used and 74 staff members provided anonymised responses. An inductive and data-driven approach was used to analyse the data, and the trustworthiness of the analysis was considered using criteria established by Lincoln and Guba (1985).

Findings

Thematic analysis identified six themes, namely, the challenging nature of the work, interactions with prisoners, staff interactions, inadequate resources, staff support and development and coping strategies. Key findings include managing distress, self-harm and violence and limited resources presenting challenges. Role variety and opportunities to support prisoners were reported as positive. A variety of coping strategies were identified. Wider availability of supervision and reflective practice was suggested by staff.

Practical implications

Recommendations for increased staff support are made. Suggestions for future research investigating methods to increase rewarding aspects of work within prisons are given.

Originality/value

This analysis adds to the limited body of qualitative research investigating prison staff experiences; in particular, aspects of the work that they find rewarding such as the role variety and opportunities to make positive changes to prisoners’ lives. Novel coping strategies were identified, including cognitive reframing and behavioural strategies for managing stress, which could be encouraged to increase resilience.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge and thank all of the staff at the prison for supporting and participating. No funding was acquired to support this project.

Citation

Dennard, S., Tracy, D.K., Beeney, A., Craster, L., Bailey, F., Baureek, A., Barton, M., Turrell, J., Poynton, S., Navkarov, V. and Kothari, R. (2021), "Working in a prison: Challenges, rewards, and the impact on mental health and well-being", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 132-149. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-12-2020-0055

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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