Burnout and Mental Health Stigma Among Juvenile Probation Officers: The Moderating Effect of Participatory Atmosphere

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2019 Mar;46(2):167-174. doi: 10.1007/s10488-018-0902-x.

Abstract

Despite high rates of mental health problems among juvenile justice-involved youth, mental health stigma among juvenile probation officers (JPOs) is under-studied. This cross-sectional study examined effects of job burnout and workplace participatory atmosphere on mental health stigma among JPOs across Indiana (n = 226). Participatory atmosphere moderated the relationship between JPO burnout-related cynicism and mental health stigma (interaction β = - 0.14, p = .04); burnout was related to greater mental health stigma at low levels of participatory atmosphere. Findings suggest participatory atmosphere mitigates effects of burnout on mental health stigma among JPOs. Organizational-level interventions might help to reduce mental health stigma and combat negative effects from burnout among JPOs.

Keywords: Burnout; Juvenile probation officers; Mental health stigma; Organizational climate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Burnout, Professional / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indiana
  • Juvenile Delinquency / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Police / psychology*
  • Social Environment
  • Social Stigma*
  • Workload / psychology
  • Workplace / psychology*
  • Young Adult