NCJ Number
184722
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 44 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 450-467
Date Published
August 2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship of selected "importation" and "deprivation" factors on juveniles' anxiety levels while they were confined to institutions.
Abstract
Deprivation theories explain inmate adjustment to the institution according to the unique characteristics of the institution. Under this model, researchers examine prison-specific variables that influence the degree of subculture assimilation within the prison. The importation theory of prison adjustment, on the other hand, asserts that inmate adjustment is the result of the unique characteristics inmates bring with them (import) to the institution. From this perspective, researchers are interested in distinctive inmate characteristics that influence inmate assimilation within the prison. For the current study, self-reported data collected from 3,986 juveniles and aggregate-level data collected from interviews with administrators at 48 U.S. correctional facilities were used in a probit regression analysis. Importation and deprivation factors were found to have a significant impact on juveniles' anxiety levels. Youths who were younger, white, or had a history of exposure to family violence experienced more anxiety. Youths confined to an institution modeled after military boot camps reported higher levels of anxiety. Juveniles who perceived their institution as having less justice and permitting less activity reported more anxiety. Consistent with prior literature, support was provided for a combined theoretical model of importation and deprivation factors for explaining juveniles' institutional adjustment. 3 tables, 9 notes, and 56 references