Factors Contributing to Stress on Custodial Officers of BJMP Manned Jail of Imus City Towards Stress Management Program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v5i3.7040Keywords:
Correctional Environment, Custodial Officers, Occupational Stress, Stress Management Program, Workplace Well‑BeingAbstract
This study investigated the key factors contributing to occupational stress among custodial officers assigned to the Imus City Jail, a facility managed under the national correctional framework. Given the vital role these officers play in ensuring order and safety within the correctional environment, the research seeks to identify the specific stressors that compromise their well-being and job performance. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, data were gathered through field surveys and researcher-made questionnaire. The respondents included the total population of thirty-five (35) Jail Non-Commissioned Officers - ranging from Jail Superintendent to Jail Officers 1, 2, and 3 - as well as 264 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), selected using Slovin’s formula from a population of 780. The study assessed variables such as workload, exposure to violence, role ambiguity, administrative support, and the overall physical and psychological demands of the job. Findings reveal that excessive workload, unpredictable environments, lack of administrative backing, and poor work-life balance significantly contribute to heightened stress levels among custodial personnel. In response, the study proposes a targeted stress-management program to address these specific issues. Key components of the proposed program include stress reduction interventions, strengthened institutional support systems, regular mental health assessments, and work-life integration strategies. The implementation of such a program is expected to promote officer well-being, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a more secure and humane correctional environment. This research emphasizes the urgency of addressing institutional stress and offers a framework for policy development and future studies in correctional management.
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