NCJ Number
137541
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 17 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 47-64
Date Published
1992
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A sample of 63 inmates, housed in an Alabama medium security prison, was used to examine the effect that narcissism and locus of control have on a prisoner's ability to successfully complete a family life psychoeducational program. The group was divided into a random selection of inmates and two groups of sex offenders.
Abstract
The family life course was designed to help inmates repair their family relationships while incarcerated by focusing on narcissism, locus of control, individual responsibility, normal family functioning, and the intergenerational transmission of values, attitudes, and behavior patterns. The measures used included the Internal Control Index, Selfism scale, and a final exam prepared by the family life education instructor. The findings showed a strong correlation between locus of control, narcissism, and the final exam scores. There was no significant relationship between narcissism and locus of control. These inmates believed that external forces controlled their lives and that they were essentially powerless to choose their own behaviors. Inmate care providers need to convince inmates that they can complete rehabilitation programs by designing programs with structured tasks that must be completed without exception. Rehabilitation program strategies that stress external, rather than internal, deterrents should have a more penetrating effect on these prisoners. 2 tables and 33 references