NCJ Number
94383
Journal
Journal of Social Psychology Volume: 121 Dated: (1983) Pages: 131-143
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the results of a multipurpose study of the relationship between effective socialization and social competency.
Abstract
Attitudes toward cooperative, competitive, and individualistic situations were correlated with a number of measures of criminal attitudes and thought patterns and psychological pathology. The study sample consisted of 3 male criminal groups from correctional institutions: 62 juvenile inmates, 25 prisoners in a minimum-security prison, and 36 prisoners in a maximum-security prison. The study used questionnaires completed in group sessions of respondents. The results indicate that the more cooperatively oriented the inmates, the greater their psychological health; competitiveness had some relationship to psychological health; and positive attitudes toward individualistic situations were correlated with psychological pathology, alienation, attitudes, and thought patterns. These results provide some indication of the possible long-term impact of the three types of social interdependence, extend previous research to criminal samples, and relate the literature on social interdependence with the literature on psychological health and criminality. Thirty-five references are included. (Author abstract modified)