Research Implications for Mental Hygiene Management in Corrections (From American Correctional Association - Proceedings, August 16-20, 1981, P 99-104, 1982, Julie N Tucker, ed. - See NCJ-85341)

• NCJ Number: 85354
• Author(s): J S Zil
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-85341

Annotation

Behavioral research shows that punishment consistently and fairly applied can produce behavioral change, but if it is applied inconsistently and arbitrarily, it is experienced as an act of oppression.

Abstract

Research shows that the continuing contact of an offender with other offenders without any attempt to accomplish behavioral change will not decrease antisocial behavior. Further, the sentence for an offense must involve punishment. Probation will not achieve change unless it is perceived as punishment per se which has only rare applications. Also, if people are to change as a result of punishment, they must eventually view the punishment as appropriate and fair; otherwise, it will be viewed as an arbitrary act of oppression. The trend for offenders to view themselves as political prisoners makes punishment ineffective. Endless habeas corpus filings also ratify this feeling. The 1981 Attorney General's Task Force on Violent Crime recommends limiting such filings to within 3 years of conviction unless new evidence is involved. Principles of reality therapy advocate acceptance of responsibility for one's behavior, which may precede effective punishment. Finally, structuring the postrelease program is as important in determining recidivism as is the incarceration itself, and some long-held assumptions need to be examined due to new research from mental health fields, particularly that which deals with peer workers. Nineteen references are listed. (Author summary modified)