Provincial correctional workers in Ontario: Unpacking the mental health and occupational experiences of institutional management and leaders

Despite growing attention to the diverse mental health challenges within correctional work, minimal research has focused on the experiences of institutional managers and leaders. The current study analyzed survey responses from institutional managers and leaders in Ontario, Canada ( n = 97), focusing on mental health disorder prevalence, stress exposures, and support seeking practices. Results indicated a high prevalence of mental health disorders, with 56.0 % of participants screening positive for at least one mental health disorder, most often Major Depressive Disorder (34.5 %), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (31.3 %), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (27.4 %). Approximately one-third of participants reported prior suicidal ideation. Other responses revealed these staff experienced cumulative exposure to operational and organizational stressors, including factors tied to the social context of their work. Yet, many participants reported never accessing formal mental health supports. We ponder how to reduce the disconnect between mental health needs and support seeking practices in the context of supporting correctional management and leadership to evidence a need for efforts toward creating a healthier work and living environment. • Few studies have explored the mental health plight of upper-level correctional staff. • 56 % of participants screened positive for at least one mental health disorder. • Many participants reported prior suicidal ideation. • Few participants reported accessing formal mental health supports. • There is a need for mental health training and interventions for upper-level staff.