[Between discipline and rehabilitation. Burnout predictors in a sample of Italian correctional officers.]

OBJECTIVES: While in the international literature, research on burnout predictors among correctional officers is well developed, as regards Italy there is a paucity of empirical evidence. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify, among various types of psychosocial factors, the burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment) predictors in a sample of Italian correctional officers.

METHODS: The study involved 130 correctional officers that filled out a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions highlighted as predictors of emotional exhaustion: relational demands, reward and physical demands; depersonalization: role conflict and support from colleagues; personal accomplishment: skill discretion.

RESULTS: Generally speaking, the present study confirms that the three burnout subdimensions were predicted by different psychosocial factors. Moreover, results highlighted that both intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of the job, and social aspects significantly explained burnout among correctional officers.

CONCLUSIONS: Conversely, no organizational factors were found to be burnout predictors. Interventions aimed at preventing burnout among correctional officers may include training programs aimed at developing interpersonal skills. Moreover, the paper argues that both the detention conditions and the quality of work life among correctional officers may benefit from the increasing of the psycho-educational staff within the Italian correctional facilities.