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The purpose of this quantitative study was to test the correlational effects of stress on worker satisfaction, turnover intention, and the leader-member exchange (LMX) theory by comparing how stress influences correctional officers in the U.S. prison system. To explore the relation between stress and the dependent variables, the study utilized a correlative research design, implementing data collected from 515 correctional officers in prisons across Massachusetts and Texas through random sampling. With the aim to research how stress affects job satisfaction and turnover intention and how LMX may counteract these outcomes, descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha (⍺), and Spearman’s rho () were used for statistical analysis via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results showed a statistically significant correlation between stress, job satisfaction, turnover intention, and LMX. These findings contribute to the understanding of stress in correctional environments and offer insights into organizational practices and strategies for mitigating stress. Recommendations for future research include exploring additional theories and expanding the study’s geographic parameters to better grasp the influence of stress in correctional settings and other institutions.