NCJ Number
112516
Journal
Research in Corrections Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 1-43
Date Published
1988
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This issue reviews current knowledge and speculation about the relationship between diet and behavior, particularly as it relates to corrections practice, and discusses the application of recent studies of the relationship between diet and antisocial behavior in juvenile and adult offender populations to the management of inmate populations.
Abstract
The studies reviewed fail to provide adequate data to draw definitive conclusions about the effects of diet on antisocial or criminal behavior, particularly with regard to causality. Research has not been conducted on a sufficiently massive scale to develop solid public or correctional policy, but the findings justify further attention to the possibility of a diet/behavior link that is relevant to the criminal justice system. Several suggestions are made and include the provision of nutritional education and counseling for offenders if dietary intervention is necessary, but these recommendations need to be supported by further research before basic policies can be changed. It is difficult to conduct research in a correctional institution, but an area that needs further exploration is that of the impact of nutritional education and intervention, especially in juvenile facilities. 12 figures and 212 references