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It utilizes a focus groups methodology. The goal of this qualitative research was to highlight the voices of the chaplains. Hence, the focus groups explored the unique and challenging experiences of chaplains\u2019 work in Canadian prisons. Data from all seven focus groups indicated that despite multiple challenges and obstacles, the correctional chaplains remain dedicated to their work and are committed to making a positive impact on their prisoners. Based on the data provided by the chaplains about the intrinsic rewards and various challenges they face in their day-to-day work, the paper makes several research and policy recommendations. The objective of such recommendations is to maximize the role that religion and\/or spirituality could play in prisoners\u2019 positive adaptation, and eventual criminal desistance in a context of confinement characterized by loss of personal autonomy and self-identity.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1177\/0306624x231212812","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2023,11,27]],"date-time":"2023-11-27T01:34:20Z","timestamp":1701048860000},"page":"271-286","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/sage-journals-update-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":4,"title":["Joy, Compassion, and Job Satisfaction: Insights into the Canadian Prison Chaplaincy"],"prefix":"10.1177","volume":"70","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5152-0733","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Davut","family":"Akca","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Lakehead University, Orillia, ON, Canada"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Nawal H.","family":"Ammar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Humanities &amp; Social Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Brad","family":"Shoemaker","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Theological Studies, University of Toronto, ON, Canada"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Carla","family":"Cesaroni","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Michael","family":"Ouellet","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"179","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2023,11,26]]},"reference":[{"key":"e_1_3_2_2_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abdulkadir A. 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