Altruism Behind Bars: Sharing, Justice, Perspective Taking and Empathy Among Inmates

• NCJ Number: 239758
• Journal: Social Justice Research Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 61-78
• Author(s): Michaela Gummerum; Yaniv Hanoch
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined altruism behavior in inmates and non-inmates.

Abstract

Anecdotal stories suggest that inmates engage in altruistic acts to partially compensate for past criminal behavior. Little research has investigated this phenomenon. In this study, the authors used the dictator gamea measure developed in experimental economicsto assess inmates' and non-inmates' altruistic behavior. Furthermore, the authors examined whether personal belief in a just world (BJW), perspective taking and empathy predicted altruistic behavior. Our sample was comprised of 50 male inmates and 50 age-matched non-inmates. Results showed that inmates displayed more altruistic behavior and higher empathy compared to non-inmates. In addition, in inmates altruistic behavior was positively predicted by BJW and perspective taking, whereas in non-inmates altruistic behavior was positively predicted by empathy. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.