NCJ Number
139867
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 409-425
Date Published
1992
Length
17 pages
Annotation
To evaluate behavior and adaptation, a comprehensive set of measures of behavior, emotional states, and cognitions was gathered longitudinally for a sample of 25 long-term prison inmates and across more than 7 years from the beginning of their terms.
Abstract
The most striking overall result was the total absence of any evidence for general or widespread deteriorative effects. Time spent working was the largest proportion of reported activities, and it increased significantly from the beginning of the term. Amount of time socializing dropped during the term, but outside contacts did not decrease systematically over time in prison. There was a significant increase from the beginning of the term in the number of visits received. Sizable and systematic decreases occurred in emotional dysphoria as well as in boredom from the beginning of the prison term. After several years, subjects did not view their lives in prison as significantly more desirable or rewarding nor did they see fewer problems than previously. In sum, emotional states, health, and conduct of inmates in the institutions generally improved over time. 2 tables and 24 references