This chapter introduces the emerging literature on salutogenesis in corrections workers. Correctional officers have one of the most stressful jobs in our society yet have been largely neglected in occupational safety and health research. Correctional officers are at increased risk for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and posttraumatic stress disorders, and suffer from suicide rates nearly triple of those observed among the general population and in other related occupations. Actuarial tables indicate a 12–15-year life expectancy gap between correctional officers and the general population. In an effort to examine some of the root causes of these health problems in corrections, we begin by reporting findings that emerged from a focus group study on correctional officer stress, and highlight why Antonovsky’s theory is so relevant to correctional officers. Existing research is then reviewed that provides evidence for the potential role individual sense of coherence and salutogenic health promotion programs could play in mitigating the effects of workplace stress. A set of recommendations are made for planning salutogenic interventions in corrections, including assessing the organizational health climate and correctional officers’ perceptions of the health-promoting qualities of their workplace. Salutogenic aspects of a programmatic approach that has been used successfully to engage corrections staff in the design of workplace interventions to benefit both worker health protection and promotion are reviewed, and an experimental officer-led health mentoring program is described that was shaped, in part, by application of salutogenic principles. Future research needs and application areas in corrections are also discussed.
Copyright 2017, The Author(s).