The research reflected the perspective that psychological stress, which is manifested as symptoms of psychopathology, can be seen as a transaction between humans and their environment. Samples of the prisoners were administered instruments that measured symptoms of psychopathology, the 90-symptoms checklist scale (SCL-90), perceived environmental needs, the 7-scale Jail Preference Inventory (JPI), and perceived environmental resources (the 21-point Environmental Quality Scale (EQS)). The JPI and EQS were confined as a measure of environmental congruence and correlated with the SCL-90 scores. The results demonstrated that prisoners with a low environmental congruence suffer from more extreme symptoms of psychological distress than do their counterparts who experience a higher congruence. On that basis of these findings directions for future programs and research should focus on an environment-centered approach that enhances congruence and thus reduces distress. 2 notes, 7 tables, and 17 references (Author abstract modified)
Environmental Congruence and Symptoms of Psychopathology: A Further Exploration of the Effects of Exposure to the Jail Environment
NCJ Number
131892
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 351-374
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The link between environmental congruence and symptoms of psychopathology was examined among jail prisoners in three New Jersey counties.
Abstract