NCJ Number
72294
Journal
FCI RESEARCH REPORTS Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (1979) Pages: Complete issue
Date Published
1979
Length
26 pages
Annotation
A study of five groups of nine overcontrolled offenders each were selected from the all male population at the Federal Correctional Institute, Tallahasse, Fla., to develop preventive techniques in reducing first offenders and recidivism.
Abstract
Caucasian males with raw scores of 18 (T=70) or above on the overcontrolled-hostility (O-H) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personailty Inventory (MMPI) were used in a factorial design with a single control group. Aggressive and nonaggressive models were presented either live (overt) or in imagination (covert). Subject's responses to the Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration test were scored as extrapunitive (blaming someone else) or impunitive (blaming fate or circumstances). The Willoughy Schedule was used to assess changes in neurotic reactivity subsequent to treatment. Previous findings suggesting that response styles of high O-H subjects could be altered by a live model suggests that the procedure's effectiveness depends upon unknown parameters of the model which may be a further research area. The covert procedure, while less effective than the overt, nonetheless showed some significant results. Measures of anxiety might help to diminish possible side effects. Finally, subject motivation is an issue, perhaps, of critical importance. Tabular data 15 references, and a list of previous publications are given. (Author abstract modified)