Work-life and wellbeing in UK therapeutic prison officers: A thematic analysis
Emma J. Walker
Helen H. Egan
Craig A. Jackson
Matthew Tonkin
2381/41909
https://figshare.le.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Work-life_and_wellbeing_in_UK_therapeutic_prison_officers_A_thematic_analysis/10215032
Previous research has clearly demonstrated the positive impact of therapeutic interventions
on offenders’ wellbeing. 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
UK 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, whilst 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
upon wellbeing at work.
2018-05-02 10:55:51
IR content