NCJ Number
112517
Journal
Research in Corrections Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 45-47
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Following an extensive review of the literature, previous experiments, and research projects which examine the relationship between food and behavior, Drs. Diana Fishbein and Susan Pease conclude that most of the experiments have been basically flawed, both in their implementation and in the lack of adequate data, and research has not been conducted on a sufficiently massive scale to develop solid public or correctional policies.
Abstract
They maintain that the available findings do support further exploration and experimentation to determine the real implications of diet and nutrition as they relate to development of criminal behavior. Nonclinicians, the public, and food service administrators at correctional institutions all support the theory of a relationship between diet and criminal or delinquent behavior. Drs. Fishbein and Pease identify the need for further research before basic policies can be changed and thus qualify their own recommendations. It is particularly difficult to conduct research relating to food intake or dietary regimen in a correctional institution, but, possibly, in the controlled environment of a segregation unit, an experimental diet could be developed that would meet the ethical standards of the American Correctional Association. An area definitely in need of further exploration is that of the impact of nutritional education and intervention, particularly in juvenile facilities.