MULTIDIMENSIONAL LOCUS OF CONTROL IN PRISON INMATES

• NCJ Number: 39083
• Author(s): H LEVENSON
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: PRESENTED AT THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER 2, 1974

Annotation

PAPER CONCERNING A 1973 STUDY OF 200 INMATES AT A LARGE, SOUTHWESTERN STATE PRISON TO DETERMINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INCARCERATION AND ONE'S EXPECTANCY OF CONTROL BY OTHERS IN AUTHORITATIVE POSITIONS.

Abstract

THE STUDY MEASURED PRISONERS' EXPECTANCIES THAT CONTROL OVER THEIR LIVES IS DETERMINED BY THEMSELVES (INTERNALLY CONTROLLED), FATE, OR BY POWERFUL OTHERS (EXTERNALLY CONTROLLED). RESULTS FROM THE STUDY SUGGEST THAT PRISONERS DO NOT LOSE THEIR FEELINGS OF PERSONAL CONTROL, NOR DO THEY BEGIN TO FEEL THAT THEIR LIVES ARE INCREASINGLY CONTROLLED BY CHANCE. RATHER, THEY TAKE ON REALISTIC EXPECTANCIES THAT THERE ARE POWERFUL OTHERS WHO MUST BE RECOGNIZED AND PLEASED. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THESE FINDINGS REGARDING CAUSATION AND REHABILITATION ARE DISCUSSED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...KAP