Symptoms of Trauma, Perceptions of Discrimination, and Anger: A Comparison Between Australian Indigenous and Nonindigenous Prisoners

• NCJ Number: 236731
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2008 Pages: 245-258
• Author(s): Andrew Day; Linda Davey; Rosemary Wanganeen; Sharon Casey; Kevin Howells; Martin Nakata
• Date Published: February 2008
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): DP0344544
• Sponsoring Agency: Australian Research Council
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the need for culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs for offenders.

Abstract

Although the need for the development and provision of culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs for offenders is widely acknowledged, there is a lack of empirical data that can be used as a basis for the development of new programs. This article reports the findings of a comparison of indigenous and nonindigenous male prisoners on a range of measures relevant to the experience of anger by indigenous prisoners in Australia. The results suggest that indigenous participants are more likely to experience symptoms of early trauma, have greater difficulties identifying and describing feelings, and perceive higher levels of discrimination than nonindigenous prisoners. The implications of this work for the development of culturally appropriate and effective anger management programs for indigenous male prisoners are discussed. (Published Abstract)