Assessment of Occupational Stress

The forensic sciences are rewarding professions yet place practitioners at risk of occupational stress (OS). This article provides an overview of the three main stress risk domains (individual, interpersonal and organizational). We discuss four forms of OS (job strain, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue) and present a comprehensive guide for stress measurement. Early recognition of potential stress and effective intervention and stress management is essential to promote physical and mental wellbeing in forensic organizations. The responsibility of enhancing the wellbeing of practitioners is at all levels of an organization, including internal policy, senior management, supervisors and individuals. A focused organizational wide approach to stress management will allow practitioners to perform effectively over their career. A range of evidence-based programs are discussed.