NCJ Number
228100
Journal
The Prison Journal Volume: 89 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 328-343
Date Published
September 2009
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the benefits of exercise for low-security inmates.
Abstract
The inmates who exercised reported levels of depression, stress, and anxiety that were significantly lower than those who did not exercise. The score differences between the groups on the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the Life Experiences Survey (LES), and the Daily Hassles Survey (DHS) were noticeable despite similarities in age, racial background, current charges, and time served. The link between physical activity and the alleviation of mental and emotional distress is well established in the research literature. Findings in this study suggest that, in addition, exercise is helpful regardless of the type of physical activity. Suspected was that these types of inmates would already have lower levels of emotional distress compared with their medium or maximum-security counterparts, because they leave the prison unit daily to perform jobs in the community, are considered low-flight risks, and have shorter sentences. Furthermore, the reason for incarceration or current charges is important to consider when examining low-security inmates. Data were collected from 60 inmates, classified as low-security and incarcerated by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Tables, figure, appendix, and references