Date of Award

5-3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Tusty ten Bensel

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of working with aging inmates on parole officers. Overall, previous research has shown those who work with parolees experience secondary trauma and burnout due to long contact hours, and lack of job training and resources. Research, however, has been limited on parole officers who work with the elderly offender population. Arguably, older inmates face unique obstacles that are in addition to the general offender population such as chronic health conditions, physical disabilities, and lack of family support. As the number of elderly parolees continues to increase, parole officers who work with them may be negatively affected in regard to secondary trauma and burnout. The current study sought to fill in the gap in the literature by examining the manner in which parole officers are impacted by working with aging parolees, focusing specifically on secondary trauma and burnout. Using grounded theory, I analyzed in-depth interviews with 19 parole officers in a southern state. The results of this study provided insight into the lived experiences of parole officers working with elderly inmates, secondary trauma and burnout, training and resources needed for parole officers, and added to the limited knowledge on this topic.

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