Effects of Crowding in a Correctional Setting - A Review of the Literature - Final Report

• NCJ Number: 88400
• Author(s): J R Grammer; L Dawson
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: Texas Youth Cmssn
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The regimentation of the prison environment, the small space available to each inmate, the perception of control over exposure to crowding, the lack of large windows and other architectural features, and the predominance of crowding in work and recreational settings all contribute to an increased perception of crowding.

Abstract

Other factors contributing to an increased perception of crowding are males' need for larger interpersonal distance zones, inmates' high anxiety levels, the possible disruption of normal interpersonal distance zones by inmates' personality disorders, and the existence of heterogeneous groups in prison. These variables result in apathetic inmates who fail to make choices for themselves. The inmate becomes either immobile or reacts in a violent or excessively aggressive manner. Stress resulting from the high social and spatial density in a prison environment causes increased psychosomatic illness complaints, such as colds and sinus-related problems. Finally, the consequences of crowding in children and adolescents are more pronounced than for adults in comparable circumstances. Eleven references are included. (Author summary modified)