This study explores the impact of working in correctional settings on custody personnel, examining in particular the differences between quality of professional life issues in substance abuse treatment environments versus general custody settings. The article describes research findings regarding the relationship between differing professional environments and subjective perceptions of physical and psychological health for custody personnel working in Substance Abuse Treatment units located in three separate prisons: the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) at California State Prison, Corcoran; California Rehabilitation Center; and R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. To carry out this study, the authors surveyed 120 custody staff members from treatment units and general population facilities, using three instruments. Also examined were a number of documented indicators of well-being, including inmate disciplinary problems, inmate random urinalysis results, staff sick leave, and occupational injuries. Along with the findings, implications of this research for national policy concerning prison-based substance abuse treatment are discussed.
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