Autonomy as a Source of Pro-Social Influence Among Incarcerated Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 105377
• Journal: Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1987) Pages: 97-107
• Author(s): F P Martin; D W Osgood
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Earlier versions of this paper were presented at the convention of the American Psychological Association, August 1984, Toronto and the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, November 1984, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Annotation

Previous research has found that greater autonomy for incarcerated adolescents is associated with prosocial outcomes. This study examines the prosocial impact of autonomy in terms of three established lines of research: leadership style, coercive social control, and reactance.

Abstract

In addition, it attempts to clarify whether autonomy in this setting has a direct influence on residents' values or an indirect influence resulting from an increase in residents' acceptance of treatment goals. Data were collected by questionnaires administered to 434 residents and 156 staff members at 4 residential institutions for adjudicated adolescents. Data were analyzed using a structural equation model with unobserved variables (LISREL). A model positing both direct and indirect influences of autonomy fit the data very well for both resident and staff reports about autonomy. Autonomy contributed to prosocial values both through greater acceptance of the treatment goals, as well as through a direct influence on values. 2 tables and 17 references. (Author abstract modified)