NCJ Number
100391
Journal
American Behavioral Scientist Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: (March-April 1984) Pages: 501-528
Date Published
1984
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Demographic and situational variables associated with relative adjustment to new identities and communities were investigated in 24 participants (13 male, 11 female) in the Federal Witness Security Program.
Abstract
Independent variables included (1) age, (2) race, (3) living situation, (4) amount of time spent in program, (5) level of educational attainment, (6) being an actual witness or a partner to a witness, (7) nature of move, and (8) connectedness to community. Dependent variables examined in this analysis were (1) score on distress over adjustment to relocation and (2) score on distress over adjustment to and management of new name and identity. Analysis of survey questionnaire data indicates that adjustment to relocation was positively associated with witness status (as opposed to cohabitant status), move from an urban rather than rural setting, younger age, and length of time in the program. Greater distress in adjusting was found among participants living with other family members and among ethnic minorities, especially Hispanics. Finally, connectedness with the community diminished the amount of distress experienced in adjusting to the relocation and management of new identities. Results suggest that variations in levels of distress may be associated with the possibility of betrayal, the need for deception and secrecy, and the ability to meet these demands. 24 notes and 47 references.