Masingi, Gladys Rukanani2019-07-172019-07-172018Masingi, Gladys Rukanani (2018) Sources of occupational stress among correctional officials in a Gauteng correctional centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/27722>https://hdl.handle.net/10539/27722A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in NursingBackground: Work stress is recognised worldwide as a major challenge to the worker's health and the healthiness of their organisation. Correctional officials as a professional group are exposed to unique and powerful stressors such as taking charge of an unwilling and potential violent population. The stressors of correctional officials are well documented in literature; however the sources of occupational stress in the selected prison are not known and have not been investigated. Aim and Objective: The overall purpose of the study was to investigate the sources of stress among correctional officials in a selected Gauteng Prison and the objective was to describe the sources of stress among correctional officials. Research design and Method: The study was a quantitative, descriptive survey, the survey design was cross-sectional using a structured open and closed ended questions, selfadministered questionnaire that was developed by MithatDurak. Findings: A total of 72 questionnaires were completed, yielding a response rate of 48%. The majority of correctional officials were concerned about safety and the fact that the type of work they are doing is putting them at risk. Nevertheless, Correctional officials were not concerned about workload. They reported low on role conflict and role ambiguity (95.8%) reported that they know their duties and responsibilities and they know how to get their job done. Majority of correctional officials are concerned about absence of rewards (47%, n=34) reported that it hurts to learn that their work is associated with lack of rewards and the fact that they don't spend quality time with their families due to work commitments Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data, statistical assistance was obtained from statistician. Data was analysed using the data analysis and statistical software version 15 software(STATA) and presented in tables, categorical data presented using frequencies and percentages. Conclusions: Limited research was done on the sources of stress among correctional officials in South Africa on the OCH point of view. Implications for OHN practice: The research will contribute to the body of knowledge of occupational health nursing, occupational health as well as occupational psychology. It is also envisaged that the research provides scientific information for the motivation, development and implementation of a stress prevention and management programme in correctional workplace settings. Key words: Sources, Stress, Occupational stress, Correctional Centre, Correctional OfficialOnline resource (68 leaves)enCorrectional personnel--job stressPrisonsJob stressThesis