Investigating the Psychological and Occupational Stress Experienced by Female Correctional Officers: Health Consequences and Prevention Approaches in Delta State

This Study investigates the psychological and occupational stress suffered by female officers of the correctional centres, the implications, as well as the prevention methods in Delta State. Female officers in correctional centres experience unique stressors, which include: Role conflict, discrimination, sexual harassment and pressures of balancing demanding professional duties with societal expectations of being a wife and a mother. These psychological and occupational stresses often result in psychological, physical and health issues. The lack of target research and intervention strategies further exacerbates the problem, making female officers vulnerable to the detrimental effects of occupational stress. The research design is quantitative survey and qualitative interview, the census sapling technique was adopted since the sample size is manageable. Theoretical literature were reviewed, while questionnaires and structured interviews was used as instruments of data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the findings were; Hypothesis 1 supported → stress predicted by role conflict, workplace violence, and gender discrimination. Hypothesis 2 supported → stress is strongly linked with anxiety, depression, and burnout. Hypothesis 3 supported → current support systems are insufficient. Hypothesis 4 supported → stress-management training significantly reduces stress. based on the findings, recommendations were made to improve the psychological well-being of these female officers and enhance job performance to ensure a more sustainable and supportive work environment within the correctional facilities in Delta State.