A cluster randomized experiment of a life coaching intervention designed to improve correctional officer mental health

Abstract

Research SummaryCorrectional officers (COs) are the backbone of the custodial system as they are tasked with critical responsibilities such as safeguarding the welfare of incarcerated populations and maintaining institutional security. Despite their importance, studies have consistently revealed how COs worldwide face high rates of mental illness. Although mental health interventions like Employee Assistance Programs and Critical Incident Stress Management seminars are available, many officers find them stigmatizing and misaligned with their daily stressors. Alternative, evidence‐based programming options are therefore required that can effectively improve the mental health of these essential frontline workers. In direct response to this need, the current study conducted a cluster randomized experiment to evaluate whether a novel life coaching intervention could effectively treat COs mental illness. One county jail in Tennessee received the life coaching treatment, while two other similarly matched jails served as comparison groups. Paired samples t‐tests and linear regression models revealed statistically significant reductions in the post‐traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout levels of the experimental group.Policy ImplicationsStudy findings are accompanied by a cost–benefit analysis to support the adoption of life coaching as an alternative mental health intervention that can effectively and economically improve the psychological health of COs. As such, this study may carry policy relevance for those stakeholders around the world wishing to improve CO mental health.