Theoretical Considerations about Stress in Corrections

Abstract

This article examines current definitions of stress in the correctional environment and questions whether a specific and reliable definition has yet been developed. The effects of shifting definitions of stress on cause-effect reasoning of researchers are discussed. Recommendations are made for researchers to 1) develop further a conceptual model of stress before implementing treatment programs for employees, and 2) exercise caution when interpreting data collected from experimental designs that do not lend themselves to cause-effect conclusions.