NCJ Number
44409
Date Published
1977
Length
249 pages
Annotation
A TYPOLOGY OF INMATE ADJUSTMENT OF PRISON IS DEVELOPED AND VALIDATED, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADJUSTMENT AND POSTRELEASE OUTCOME FOR 101 PAROLEES FROM THREE PRISONS IN PENNSYLVALNIA AND CONNECTICUT IS EXPLORED.
Abstract
FOUR MODES OF ADJUSTMENT ARE POSITED: (1) THE REBELLIOUS INMATE (UNWILLING TO CONCEAL NEGATIVE ATTITUDES CONCERNING THE INSTITUTION); (2) THE INSTITUTIONALIZED INMATE (FAVORABLE ATTITUDES TOWARD THE INSTITUTION, MINIMAL CONTACT WITH OUTSIDE WORLD, LITTLE INTEREST IN RELEASE); (3) THE MANIPULATIVE-RELEASE-ORIENTED INMATE (CONCEALS DISSATISFACTION WITH INSTITUTION, CONFORMS TO STANDARDS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE RELEASE); AND (4) THE POSITIVISTIC INMATE (BOTH SATISFIED WITH THE INSTITUTION AND RELEASE-ORIENTED). A 6-MONTH FOLLOWUP STUDY OF PAROLEES REVEALED THAT INSTITUTIONALIZED INMATES APPEAR TO HAVE GREATER DIFFICULTY ADJUSTING TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD IMMEDIATELY UPON RELEASE. HOWEVER, BEGINNING WITH THE THIRD MONTH OF PAROLE AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE SIXTH, PAROLEES IN EACH OF THE FOUR PRISON ADJUSTMENT CATEGORIES APPEAR TO ADJUST TO OUTSIDE LIFE AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME LEVEL. THE STUDY OFFERS EMPIRICAL CONFIRMATION THAT INSTITUTIONALISM DOES EXIST AMONG PRISON INMATES AND THAT THIS MODE OF ADJUSTMENT BODES UNFAVORABLY FOR SHORT-TERM POSTRELEASE OUTCOMES. IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS ARE DISCUSSED. DETAILS OF METHODOLOGY, COPIES OF STUDY INSTRUMENTS, SUPPORTING DATA, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)