NCJ Number
73359
Journal
Deviance et societe Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1980) Pages: 81-101
Date Published
1980
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This bibliographical analysis points to international studies that have researched the effects of long prison terms (over 12 months) on males.
Abstract
Not commented upon are works produced by ex-offenders in autobiographical styles and works published simply for the public. Instead, commentary focuses upon serious, empirical studies generated by research criminologists around the world. Three kinds of research are mentioned. The first includes those sociological studies analyzing the social behavior of persons detained in prison, especially the development of subcultures and prisonization. The second involves psychological-psychiatric studies of personality modification and psychopathological syndomes. The third research group is centered on problems that are manifested when the offender returns to society. These last studies look to postrelease effects and the problems offenders have in reentering society. Discussion then turns to psychosocial effects on prisoners during the time that they are imprisoned, such as negative effects on social relations and family ties. Attention to psychological-psychiatric approaches is divided into stimulus-response kinds of studies (of deterioration of mental abilities resulting from imprisonment, aggression development, loss of self-respect) and research on inmates' coping processes in prison environments through adapting to prison life or by developing psychosomatic or psychopathological syndromes from the adaptation efforts. Further studies regarding inmates' tendencies toward self-mutilation and suicide are examined as form of coping. Finally, criticism is offered regarding the limitations of studies on long-term imprisonment, and suggestions recommended further studies within all approaches explored. Researchers and studies are noted throughout the text and 110 references are provided.