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Racism can lead to mental and physical chronic stressors such as depression and anxiety, especially for prison correctional workers. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) among workers in a statewide prison system are examined through focus groups. The Harvard Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity (DIB&E) Toolkit was used to guide the development of focus group questions with a participatory executive team in a Midwest prison system. Nine correctional sites (prisons, probation, and parole) were randomly selected to recruit focus group participants. Focus group data were independently coded by 2 raters with consensus coding for thematic analysis. A total of 47 workers participated and offered limited information regarding micro-inequity, negative bias, and inequities. It was suggested that supervisors set precedence, boost morale through peer-to-peer support, stand up for coworkers, develop professional goals, and take risks by getting to know peers. Findings indicate DEIB in the workplace should be assessed at the system level to consider challenges and potential solutions. This study shows the need for deeper investigation of workplace interventions aiming to address DEIB as well as decrease or prevent workplace stressors.
Drashti Topiwala
Drashti Topiwala
Drashti Topiwala (she/her/hers) is from Wentzville, MO majoring in occupational therapy and a minor in interprofessional education. Upon graduation, she will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in occupational science. In the fall, Drashti will be continuing her education at Saint Louis University in order to receive her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. She has been in Dr. Jaegers lab since 2021 working for occupational justice, advocacy, and workers health promotion. Her interest focuses on community-based OT as well as neurorehabilitation.
Catherine Kiaupa
Catherine Kiaupa
Catherine Kiaupa is a member of Saint Louis University’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program. Catherine works in occupational justice and advocacy research with mentor Dr. Lisa Jaegers. She will be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in occupational science, as well as graduating from Saint Louis University’s honors college, in spring of 2022. In addition to being in the honors college, she has been a Presidential Scholar throughout her undergraduate studies. She will be graduating in the spring of 2023, with a Master’s degree in occupational therapy.
Delanie Dumanlang
Delanie Dumanlang
Delanie Dumanlang is a master's student in Saint Louis University’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program. Delanie works in occupational justice and advocacy research with her mentor Dr. Lisa Jaegers. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has been a Martin Luther King Scholar, an academic achievement awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership as agents of change and influence within their school and community in relation to social justice reform and the promotion of cultural awareness. Delanie is also currently the President of SLU Beyond Ability (SLUBA), a club dedicated to the promotion of inclusivity, advocacy, and increasing awareness of the lived experience of individuals with disabilities on campus.
Drashti Topiwala, Katie Kiaupa, and Delanie Dumanlang would like to thank their faculty sponsor Lisa Jaegers for their support of this project.
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