WORK AND HEALTH IN PRISON ESTABLISHMENTS IN BAHIA: THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STRESS AND LEADERSHIP

Abstract

This research analyzed the relationships between stressors, coping, stress symptoms and leadership style and their implications for managerial activity in prisons in Bahia. The research was correlational and descriptive, within quantitative analyses, with the application of psychometric tests (EVENT, ISSL, ETC, EAEG) and a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 320 agents and 80 prison managers. A high level of stress was found in the population studied, making it evident that the variable EVENT has a significant effect on ETC (B = 0.095; p = 0.003), indicating that increased pressure at work causes an increase in the use of coping strategies. There was also a positive correlation between task-focused leadership style (r = 0.112; p < 0.05) with stress symptoms. The study showed that the prison manager’s effectiveness under a high-stress condition consists of developing networks of relationships that help him to decide in such circumstances.