Analysis of the Mental Health of Penitentiary Professionals:

Abstract

Prison officers face adverse working conditions, such as violence, overcrowding, and constant exposure to stress, which directly impacts their mental health. The heavy workload, combined with social pressure and lack of organizational support, contributes to the development of disorders such as anxiety, depression, and burnout syndrome. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of effective public policies to address the stress faced by these professionals.

This study employed a systematic and critical review of the literature, aiming to analyze the impacts of stress and other factors on the mental health of prison officers. The research was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar, applying strict inclusion criteria. Seven studies addressing occupational stress, burnout, mental disorders, and the health of prison officers were selected.

The studies revealed that prison officers experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to factors such as excessive workload, insecurity, and violent environments. Constant exposure to risk and lack of institutional support were identified as major causes of psychological suffering. Additionally, burnout rates among professionals are high, reflecting the inadequacy of working conditions.

The review highlighted the urgency of implementing public policies and psychological support strategies to mitigate the impact of stress and promote the well-being of prison officers.