Burnout among Probation Officers: An Application of the Job Demands-Resources Model

Abstract

Probation officers are subject to a great deal of stress. The goal of this study is to examine occupational stress and burnout by testing and modifying the Job Demands-Resources model. This model suggests that organizational characteristics have implications for individual outcomes related to stress. However, the model neglects the role of individual factors, such as resilience and coping. In coordination with the Probation Association of New Jersey, this study tests the modified model using cross-sectional surveys from 184 probation officers. Results suggest that resilience influences how individuals perceive and cope with stress, maladaptive strategies lead to burnout, and burnout is associated with increased health concerns and turnover.