NCJ Number
186328
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 27 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 716-732
Date Published
December 2000
Length
17 pages
Annotation
A survey of 830 psychologists working in Federal and State prison systems sought to develop a comprehensive profile of correctional psychology.
Abstract
The participants completed a 4-page questionnaire that gathered information on demographics, job duties and responsibilities, the provision of mental health services, assessment practices, and training recommendations. Results revealed that 59 percent of the participants held a doctoral degree. Their average age was 45 years. Ninety-two percent reported that they were white. Approximately 62 percent were males. The average length of employment in corrections was 8 years, but experience ranged from a few months to 38 years. Eighty-two percent of the participants reported working only with male offenders; 8 percent worked solely with female offenders. They reported that administrative tasks consumed 30 percent of their work time, direct treatment consumed 26 percent, and assessment consumed 18 percent. Sixty percent of treatment took place in an individual format, 18 percent involved psycho-educational groups, and 15 percent involved process groups. Eighty-eight percent of the participants used a cognitive treatment model. The problems most commonly treated were depression, anger problems, psychotic symptoms, anxiety, and adjustment issues. Participants reported using a variety of assessments, but most relied on very few tests, especially the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Approximately 37 percent of the participants reported some type of previous forensic or correctional experience prior to employment in corrections. Findings raised issues related to the needs for treatment of offenders who are severely mentally ill, for more group-based treatment, and for improved assessments. Figure, tables, and 27 references (Author abstract modified)