NCJ Number
187974
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The Australian study reported in this paper examined whether there are differences in the level and nature of the anger held by male and female offenders.
Abstract
The sample was drawn from correctional institutions across South Australia and Western Australia. The women (n=50) were from two facilities, and the men (n=121) were from five facilities. The instruments administered to the sample were a demographic questionnaire, the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and the Novaco Anger Scale. The study found significant differences in the anger and anger expression of male and female offenders. Specifically, females were found to have higher levels of anger and exercised lower levels of control over the expression of that anger. Reasons for these gender differences in anger may be due to the experiential differences in the histories of male and female offenders. Women in prison have often experienced significantly greater levels of physical and sexual abuse in childhood than male inmates. This childhood victimization often leads to the women entering abusive relationships later in life. Women's childhood and adult victimization has a significant impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. Research has shown that chronic anger occurs as a result of the powerlessness engendered in childhood trauma. Two manifestations of this anger can be found in the most frequently reported psychopathology among female offenders: posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Both of these disorders have been connected to childhood abuse and are diagnosed more often in females than in males. This paper offers suggestions for further research. 54 references, 2 figures, and 2 tables