Date of Award

Spring 5-2014

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Chair

Philip Carlan

Committee Chair Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 2

Lisa Nored

Committee Member 2 Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 3

Alan Thompson

Committee Member 3 Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 4

Wes Johnson

Committee Member 4 Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 5

Richard Mohn

Committee Member 5 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Abstract

In the field of criminal justice, much research has been devoted to exploring job stress among corrections staff, police officers, and individuals working in legal professions. Additionally, there is an abundance of research regarding drug courts and their impact on the justice system. There is, however, a stark absence of research concerning job stress among drug court personnel. This study was designed to fill that gap in the existing literature by examining the perceptions of drug court personnel regarding job stress, job satisfaction, and other relevant factors identified in the literature. Results of bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that drug court personnel experience job stress as an intact, homogeneous group. Role conflict and qualitative role overload were significant organizational sources of stress. Caseloads and client-oriented sources of stress were significant task-related stressors. Job satisfaction was the only significant protective factor against job stress. The results of this study guided the construction of a proposed job stress model specifically designed for drug court personnel. This model provided context for discussion regarding policy implications and recommendations for future research.

Download

Share

COinS