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Prisons are stressful environments for both people living and working in them. Extant literature suggests that correctional staff have increased stress levels that lead to compromised physical health, mental health, social relationships, and increased emotional strain. This article reports on a project utilizing a modified Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to understand the mechanisms that lead to increased stress levels among correctional officers who reported working overtime. The analysis utilizes organizational justice and social comparison frameworks to explore predictors of individual levels of stress among correctional officers working overtime in a Delaware prison. The findings indicate that individual-level stress spreads through perceptions of coworker's stress and is inversely related to perceived levels of organizational justice. This analysis is useful to prison administrators, leadership, in suggesting avenues to improve the climate of correctional environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project sought to understand the present-day experiences of individuals housed in prisons by utilizing Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods that partnered a university research team with individuals incarcerated in an urban correctional facility. The team assessed perceptions of the current environment by surveying people incarcerated in an urban prison. This article discusses the role of PAR methodologies from project initiation to finalization, explicitly focusing on coordination with prison and Department of Correction (DOC) administrative leadership and the value of including incarcerated individuals on the research team for successful change. Throughout the process, the team identified areas for improvement and innovations to improve the prison environment. This article provides a road map, lessons learned from conducting PAR in prison environments, and the power of partnering researchers and members of the researched population on one collaborative research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This chapter discusses the utility of engaging in participatory action research (PAR) methodologies to investigate prison climates within correctional settings. In doing so, facilitators and barriers accompanying this research approach are highlighted. Methodology/Approach - PAR methodologies were adopted to investigate living and working conditions within a Mid-Atlantic prison. In line with this approach, members of the incarcerated population and staff within the institution were selected to be members of the research team. Findings Following the PAR framework to studying prison climates, several barriers and facilitators in conducting this research were identified and are presented to inform continued efforts investigating prison conditions and culture.Originality/Value Overall, a limited understanding of prison conditions, culture, and quality of life within correctional institutions exists. Moreover, a lack of attention has been devoted to improving working and living conditions behind the prison walls. Therefore, efforts to improve the prison environment are limited due to a lack of data about prison conditions and quality of life within these settings. PAR methodologies provide an important framework for addressing these gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]