NCJ Number
70472
Date Published
1976
Length
85 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the ability of various psychometric scales to discriminate between adjusted and nonadjusted prisoners.
Abstract
The contribution or potential value of these psychometric scales as predictors of adjustment was also investigated. Phase, term, sentence length, education and age were predictors. Subjects were divided into adjusted and nonadjusted groups according to a criterion based on the number of adjustment reports they had received and the time span over which they had occurred. They were divided into two groups according to phase of sentence. The psychometric scales used were the Mini Mult Prison Questionnaire (MMPQ), 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, and the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI). Nonadjusted prisoners were found significantly higher on the schizophrenia, hypomania, masculinity-feminity, general maladjustment, and neuroticism scales revealing them as more disturbed and less adequate in personality development than their adjusted counterparts. Results suggested that nonadjusted prisoners could be described as overactive, excitable, sensitive and irritable, more anxious, less stable, weak in impulse control, and alienated. Also, the exhibited a degree of bizarreness and disorganization in thought processes and were generally maladjusted in both personality and social adjustment. The most seriously disturbed were short-term prisoners in phase 1 and long-term prisoners in phase 2 of their sentences. Cross validation of the study is suggested with application of the prediction model that was developed from the combination of demographic and pyschometric variables. Further research is also recommended in areas which would help to effect better prison adjustment and rehabilitation. Figures, tables, 55 references, and appendixes are included.