NCJ Number
136304
Journal
Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling Volume: 12 Dated: (April 1992) Pages: 34-46
Date Published
1992
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The relationship between family support and the adjustment to incarceration is addressed in a study of 60 male detainees from a minimum security State-run detention center.
Abstract
Two types of family support were examined. The Family Environment Scale (FES) explored three dimensions of the family environment: relationship; personal growth; and system maintenance. The Family of Origin Scale (FOS) focused on autonomy and intimacy and measured perceived health relating to an individual's family history. To examine personality changes in a therapeutic community, the Staff Rating Scale (SRS) was employed with appropriate revisions for measuring an incarcerated population. Visitation was limited to a maximum number of 24 adults over an 8-week period. Visitors included parents, stepparents, grandparents, wives, girlfriends, siblings, children, in-laws, and children of siblings. Results indicated that the older the inmate, the better his adjustment to incarceration. Younger detainees were less likely to conform to the system and their use of cocaine demonstrated anxious and restless behavior. The best predictor of inmate adjustment was the frequency of visits by family members. Data suggests that therapeutic interactions and greater access between inmates and their families could result in reducing family conflicts and ensuring a better adjustment for the offender. 3 tables and 43 references