NCJ Number
105020
Date Published
1986
Length
143 pages
Annotation
Six theoretical models of social support in relation to perceived job stress, burnout, and health were tested cross-sectionally and longitudinally in data for Arizona correctional officers in two medium-security prisons.
Abstract
Questionnaires assessing multiple indicators of these constructs were administered to 262 subjects at Time 1 and to 177 of the same subjects at Time 2, 3 months later. Structural equation analyses reveal that only one of the models was supported by cross-sectional results. In this model, a direct, negative relationship between workplace social support and burnout latent variables was specified along with direct, positive relationships between the job stress and burnout and the burnout and poor health latent variables. However, neither this nor any other model was supported by the longitudinal results. Thus, the former results are consistent with a model in which social support on the job influences positive health only through its direct and negative effects on burnout symptoms. Discussion focuses on potential explanations of the equivocal findings and the uniqueness of correctional officers and prison work settings. Implications of measurement model findings also are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested. Appendixes contain a copy of the survey instrument and supplemental study data. 17 figures, 10 tables, and 102 references. (Author abstract modified)