Constructing barriers to Employee Assistance Program use by federal correctional officers

Brandhorst, Jaclyn K.; Compton, Cristin A.

doi:10.1080/00909882.2022.2032269

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In situations where ongoing and long-term counseling is needed, ensuring costs are covered by health insurance plans with co-pay fees that are affordable for zoo staff and do not cause unnecessary financial burden is key and has important implications for fostering equitable access to mental health support services. Unfortunately, EAPs are often underutilized by employees ( 101 , 102 ). A lack of knowledge about mental health and concomitant stigma toward mental health problems and help-seeking behavior often results in delays in seeking professional support via EAPs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A lack of knowledge about mental health and concomitant stigma toward mental health problems and help-seeking behavior often results in delays in seeking professional support via EAPs. Others may associate EAP programs as a resource for coping with personal rather than professional challenges ( 101 ). Sometimes the emotional energy resulting from moral distress or workplace trauma prohibits people from taking initial steps in seeking support ( 103 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss

McDonald,

Kogan,

Nageotte

et al. 2024

Front. Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

IntroductionBurnout and mental health among animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) has received increasing attention in recent years. Despite rapid growth of research in this area, the wellbeing of individuals who work and/or volunteer in zoo settings has received minimal attention.MethodAn anonymous online survey was created to evaluate zoo staff and volunteers’ experiences of animal-related loss, rates of professional fulfillment and burnout, mental health, perceived organizational support, and resilience. Participants included 1695 zoo professionals (72% ACHPs, 20% other staff) and volunteers (7%) who were recruited through relevant professional listservs and online platforms, and flyers on zoo grounds.ResultsACHPs reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout and lower levels of professional fulfillment than other zoo staff and volunteers. The most common animal-related losses experienced by ACHPs in the past year were unexpected death (80%) and anticipated loss (74%), with more than half of these losses occurring within the past 3 months. ACHPs’ reported bond with animals under their care was positively associated with depression and anxiety. Having a formal ritual or process following the death of an animal was positively associated with job fulfillment and perceived organizational support and negatively associated with depression and burnout—yet only 17% of participants in our sample indicated that their zoo had such a process or ritual.DiscussionOur findings suggest that many ACHPs are struggling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and low rates of professional fulfilment and perceived organizational support. We recommend that zoos develop organizational plans that foster a culture which normalizes and validates grief/loss experiences and is proactive in responding to animal loss, related trauma, and other occupational stressors. The results of this research demonstrate the need for systemic changes within the zoo industry, for the betterment and welfare of both humans and the animals under their care.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss

McDonald,

Kogan,

Nageotte

et al. 2024

Front. Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The findings extend on this by shedding light on the seclusion of this profession and difficulty in explaining work experiences to individuals outside of the profession, including therapists that CWs had worked with. Previous findings also demonstrate that therapists available through institution-provided programs typically lack knowledge of correctional work ( 45 ) and their services are less likely to be used for work-related reasons ( 46 ). Participants also suggested including real-life examples in therapy that they can better relate to.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

PurposeCorrectional work is described as a high-stress environment associated with increased prevalence of mental health disorders in employees. Identifying appropriate healthcare services necessitates investigating the mental health challenges and needs of correctional workers (CWs).MethodsIndividual interviews (n = 9; 5 M and 4 W) and a mixed gender focus group (n = 6; 3 M and 3 W) were conducted to gather a general sense of the mental health landscape. Data were analyzed to develop a targeted and comprehensive question guide for gender-specific focus groups (n = 14 unique participants; 6 M and 8 W).ResultsEight themes emerged from the gender-specific focus groups. Themes focusing on work culture described the negative repercussions of job stress and the inability to discuss challenges openly due to confidentiality concerns and feelings of seclusion associated with the CW profession. Men were more likely to be subjected to physical violence and women to emotional and sexual harassment from staff and inmates. Themes related to mental health care described the benefits and limitations of the current services and digital mental healthcare. Stigma and accessibility were notable treatment barriers. Lastly, sector-specific therapy was seen as an important component in enhancing engagement and therapist interaction.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the interconnection between work culture and CW mental health that needs to be acknowledged when addressing mental health care.

show abstract

Understanding problematic substance use among first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of law enforcement, fire, and EMS workers in the United States

Witkowski,

Lofaro,

Headley

et al. 2024

International Journal of Drug Policy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Constructing barriers to Employee Assistance Program use by federal correctional officers

Cited by 3 publications

References 35 publications

Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss

Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers

Understanding problematic substance use among first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of law enforcement, fire, and EMS workers in the United States

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About