Work–Life and Well-Being in U.K. Therapeutic Prison Officers: A Thematic Analysis

Walker, Emma J. and Egan, Helen and Jackson, Craig and Tonkin, Matthew (2018) Work–Life and Well-Being in U.K. Therapeutic Prison Officers: A Thematic Analysis. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. 0306624X1877845. ISSN 0306-624X

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0306624X18778452

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.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1177/0306624X18778452
Dates:	Date Event 1 June 2018 Published Online 1 April 2018 Accepted
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Psychology
Depositing User:	Silvio Aldrovandi
Date Deposited:	10 Sep 2018 14:42
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2024 13:03
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6285