Well-being interventions for correctional officers: a scoping review of the evidence

Correctional officers (COs) operate in environments characterised by high stress, exposure to violence, and chronic understaffing, making them particularly vulnerable to psychological distress. While a range of well-being interventions has been introduced across correctional settings, there remains limited synthesized evidence on their nature, effectiveness, and contextual applicability. This scoping review aimed to map existing literature on well-being interventions targeting COs, with a specific focus on intervention types, officer experiences, perceived impacts, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological framework, 23 studies published between 1986 and 2023 were identified in databases including PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Thematic analysis revealed five main categories of intervention: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), physical activity, and motivational interviewing. While most interventions demonstrated potential to reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout, officer participation was often limited by stigma, compromised confidentiality, poor communication, and organisational hurdles. Facilitators of successful implementation included strong leadership endorsement, peer delivery, cultural sensitivity, and easy access to services. This review highlights the need for standardised outcome measures, improved institutional commitment, and culturally responsive delivery models. Strengthening these areas will enhance the design and implementation of well-being interventions. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of tailored, evidence-based strategies to support the psychological health of correctional officers.