The Feasibility and Potential of Training Correctional Officers in Flexible Styles of Communication to Reduce Burnout: A Multiple Baseline Trial in Real-Life Settings

Abstract

Background: Burnout is typically high among correctional officers. By a training intervention in the flexible communication style ‘everyday conversations’ as a way to increase job-related resources, this study aimed to reduce burnout in Swedish correctional officers. Methods: In a stepped wedged waiting list design, 13 prison wards with 266 employees were randomized to the everyday conversations intervention at different time points during the study period. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey scales over 16 time points. Results: A significant reduction in cynicism was found. In addition, moderation effects relating to personal motivators and characteristics were found. Conclusion: There is feasibility and potential to implement communication skills to reduce burnout among employees in real-life prison settings.

Keywords

• work environment
• motivational interviewing
• intervention
• emotional labour
• prison