Psychological Classification of the Adult Male Prison Inmate: Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 133104
• Author(s): P Van Voorhis
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 86 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: University of Cincinnati
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Five inmate classification systems used to group inmates after they had received their initial classification relating to institutional security level were examined to determine their efficiency and effectiveness in predicting inmate behavior and adjustment.

Abstract

The systems were the Quay Adult Inmate Management System, the Megargee MMPI-Based Criminal Classification System, the Conceptual Level system, the Interpersonal Maturity Level system, and the Jesness Inventory. They were studied using data from 190 inmates of the Federal Prison Camp and 179 inmates of the Federal Penitentiary at Terre Haute, Ind. between September 1986 and July 1988. Results indicate that significant psychological differences exist among inmates with respect to their experiences of the prison environment, and these differences can be identified systematically. These differences should be incorporated into the ways in which agencies plan treatment and the ways in which staff members interact with inmates. Results also showed that implementing any classification system is difficult, and that the assessment and classification procedures must fit the organizational and environmental structure of a facility. Further research is also needed on several issues. Appended descriptions of each classification system and 77 references