Predicting Health and Wellness Outcomes for Probation and Parole Officers: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Probation and parole research in the late 1980s and early 1990s explored the negative health and wellness effects that officers may experience. However, little current research exists on health and wellness outcomes for probation and parole officers. Furthermore, little research has been conducted on the factors that may predict health and wellness for probation and parole officers. This study provides survey results of 342 probation and parole officers working for one probation and parole department in a southern U.S. state. Binary logistic regression results reveal officer age and tobacco use are significant predictors of officer injury. Moreover, sex, alcohol use, fast food consumption, sleep, and feeling in control of one’s job are significant predictors of self-reported officer depression. Policy implications for the above-mentioned findings and future directions for research are also discussed.