An interpersonal theory of dangerousness asserts that dangerousness is a function of perceptions and attributions within an interpersonal context, rather than a stable personality trait. Using the guards and 78 inmates of a penal complex, the interpersonal theory of dangerousness was tested from a racial perspective. (Author)

Examined the attitudes of a sample of correctional officers toward selected treatment programs. Besides a number of factors which correlated with positive attitudes toward treatment, several factors correlated negatively, including number of years of service and a belief that the primary function of corrections is punishment. (Author)

Changes in self-esteem during incarceration and self-esteem measured shortly after entry to prison and prior to release were predictive of recidivism two years after release. Results confirmed assumptions that assessment and treatment of self-esteem in correctional settings is important because the variable is related to post-prison adjustment.…

The Megargee and Dorhout classificatory rules were applied to 181 MMPI profiles from inmates at a Level 4 Federal Correctional Institution. Fifty of these inmates were retested and reclassified. Only 14 of these 50 inmates retained their original type designation upon retesting. (Author)

The effects of an experimental program of differential classification and treatment were studied by comparing releasees from two Federal Correctional Institutions. Releasees from the experimental institution had more paroles, fewer mandatory releases or expirations of sentences, and more escapes or transfers than the comparison institution.…

Lewin's concept of a life-space diagram provides a model for understanding the key elements in the environment of psychologists functioning in correctional institutions. (Author)

Analysis of data from four prisons of different types confirmed previous findings that overcrowding is positively related to disruptive behavior, and that the strength of this relationship varies with the type of correctional institution. Overcrowding and constructive behavior are negatively related. (Author)

Examines the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (Megargee typology) as a valid classification system in correctional decision making in a series of six articles. Most results urge caution in the use of the Megargee typology, finding poor test validity and test-retest reliability. (WAS)

Differences on the MMPI for elopers and non-elopers from a mentally ill offender population were analyzed and a sign approach was developed. Implications of MMPI differences for the psychological status of elopers are described. (Author)

Team classification seeks to bring together various levels of correctional staff and inmates to discuss and resolve issues pertaining to work and cell assignment, disciplinary action, furlough requests, and merit time considerations. Team classification, when successfully implemented, is positively associated with staff attitudes toward inmates,…

Research on prisonization has traditionally analyzed cross-sectional data testing either the importation or deprivation model. This investigation incorporates a longitudinal research design to analyze patterns of change in prisonization. Variables including individual status factors, prisoner status factors, factors specific to present…

No relationship between crowding and the occurrence of misconduct was found. A second study investigated the effect of incarceration and sentencing upon the inmates' anxiety level. Significant effects due to incarceration and sentencing were absent. (Author)

Analyzed the process of granting work release. Administrative data on a 10 percent random sample of incarcerated males provided the basis for a path analysis. High custody grade was found to have a very strong direct path with granting of work releases. Other variables had weaker paths. (Author)

Cynicism of prison guards was examined as an outcome of interaction with others in the institution. Findings indicate that as a prison guard's work relations with inmates, fellow officers, and administrators deteriorate, his level of cynicism increases. (Author)

Data from two juvenile correctional facilities indicate that the deprivation model is a better predictor of adaptation to confinement for males than is the importation model. For females, variables from both deprivation and importation models have a significant impact. (Author)