Citation

Ekman E. J. Juv. Justice 2015; 4(2): 71-94.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, In Public Domain (U.S. Department of Justice OJJDP), Publisher CSR)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Prior research indicates that human service care providers experience higher levels of chronic workplace stress and burnout than workers in other professions. Despite the documented need for support, there remains a dearth of research on appropriate training interventions for these workers. In addition, although human service work requires interpersonal connection and can be intrinsically rewarding, research on stress and burnout has overshadowed the study of empathy and meaning to help providers in human service settings. Juvenile justice officers (JJOs), who have the important and stressful job of working closely with incarcerated youth populations, have been especially understudied. This article explores stress among JJOs and training interventions through a review of the literature and presentation of original case study data. The case study includes qualitative analysis of (a) interpersonal stress through a new lens of empathy and meaning and (b) the development and delivery of a pilot training program targeted to help JJOs reduce stress and facilitate empathy and meaning. The conclusion addresses opportunities to support JJOs in managing interpersonal stress and finding meaning in their work.

Eve Ekman, Osher Department of Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Eve Ekman, Osher Department of Integrative Medicine, 1545 Divisidero, San Francisco, CA 94115. E-mail: eve.ekman@ucsf.edu

Keywords: juvenile justice officers, interpersonal stress, burnout, empathy, meaning in work, stress reduction training

Language: en