Características comportamentais e psicológicas de uma amostra de agentes penitenciários do estado do Paraná

Abstract

National and International literature points out a high rate of behavioral and psychological problems among prison staff. The objective of this study was to raise rates of stress, depression, burnout, suicidal intent, the and quality of life in 150 correctional officers from four penal institutions in the state of Paraná (Brazil). The sample consisted of 26.7% female agents and 73.3% male. Five instruments were applied to assess the agents' behavioral and psychological characteristics: Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults (ISSL), Quality of Life at Work Scale (QWL), Beck Depression Scale (BDI), Scale of Beck Suicidal Ideation (BSI) and Maslach Bournout Inventory (MBI). The results indicated that the majority did not have depression (62.7%) or suicidal ideation (89.3%). A large majority of the agents showed symptoms of stress (38%) and half of them (45.3%) were in the alert phase (positive phase of stress). Moderate levels of professional burnout were observed in 46% of participants for emotional exhaustion, 49.3% for depersonalization and 3% for low professional achievement. This indicates disappointment with the quality of work also shown in the survey was that women considered their quality of life was worse than men. The results 5 indicate the need to implement administrative and psychological support services for agents in prison units.