Showing papers in "International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology in 1997"

Social Support and Psychological Distress in a Group of Incarcerated Young Offenders

Abstract: Using Power, Champion, and Aris's Significant Others Scale, the present study examined the function and structure of social support in a group of incarcerated young offenders. Support across nine key relationships from both outside and inside the prison were examined. The study aimed to examine social support as a key variable in coping with incarceration. Furthermore, the study examined the role that social support plays in the experience of self-reported psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and hopelessness) while incarcerated The importance of prison relationships-with a close friend and members of prison staff in the experience of psychological distress-was highlighted, where distressed inmates were more likely to report discrepancies in the actual/ideal levels of both emotional and practical support. Regression analyses highlighted the importance of relationships with the staff as predictors of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.

Wife Assault Treatment and Criminal Recidivism: An 1-Year Follow-Up

Abstract: The impact of court-ordered treatment for wife assault was assessed by monitoring 156 men who had completed such treatment for up to 11 years (mean = 5.2 years) after treatment completion. Recidivist assault and wife assault was assessed through access to Canadian Police Information Centre data that record crimes committed anywhere in Canada. Comparisons were drawn between this group and a group of 167 dropouts from treatment (noncompleters), 32 men rejected for treatment because of resistance or denial (rejects), and 91 men who never appeared for their treatment assessment (no shows). Whereas time-to-failure failed to reveal significant between-group differences, a recidivism ratio (total repeat offenses per man-in-group) revealed significantly lower recidivism rates for treatment completers (.23 versus .50). No shows recidivated at an equal rate to completers. Some inferences are drawn about spiral models of behavioral change.

Homicides in Developing Nations: Results of Research Using a Large and Representative Sample

Abstract: Most past research on cross-national variation in homicides has included small samples of nations that were heavily weighted toward industrialized nations. In recent years, homicide data for a larger number of developing nations have become available. This study looks at cross-national variation in homicides, focusing exclusively on developing nations, and uses a much larger and more representative sample of such nations than any past research. Correlation and regression analysis are used to reexamine the association of concepts and indicators used in past research to explain variation in homicides across nations. Percentage Christian and to a lesser degree percentage Islamic emerge as the most important predictors. It is suggested and discussed that this finding is best explained by the cultural effects of colonization on many developing nations.

Correlates of Adolescent Male Sexual Offense: Prior Adult Sexual Contact, Sexual Attitudes, and Use of Sexually Explicit Materials

Abstract: Juvenile sex offenders have been the subject of increasing interest to researchers, clinicians, and criminologists in recent years. In the present study, the authors explored the relationship between various sexual attitudes, use of sexually explicit materials, prevalence of prior adult sexual contact, and offender status in a group of 80 adolescent male sex offenders and a comparison group of 96 adolescent male nonoffenders. Offenders reported significantly higher rates of sexual touching and physical abuse by an adult than nonoffenders. Being a sex offender was negatively associated with the belief that homosexuality is wrong and beliefs in the so-called rape myths. Further, being a sex offender was significantly associated with the use of sexually explicit materials. These data may prove useful to clinicians and researchers interested in understanding the general correlates of sexual offense.

An Analysis of Adolescent Perpetrators of Homicide and Attempted Homicide Upon Return to the Community

Abstract: This study assesses the recidivism for adolescent perpetrators of homicide and attempted homicide who were released from a juvenile correctional facility in the late 1970s and 1980s. This follow-up is a minimum of 5 years post release to more than 15 years after release. The results indicate that the youth studied did not perpetrate additional homicides after release. The majority were reinvolved in crime, however, and most who reoffended did so against persons. A significant number did not become reinvolved in crime, and almost half were not reincarcerated. The youth who perpetrated homicides and attempted homicides did not differ significantly from other juvenile delinquents in their likelihood to reoffend upon release as evidenced by a comparison of the two groups.

The Deterrent Effects of Initial Sanction on First-Time Apprehended Shoplifters

Abstract: The deterrent effects of initial arrest are examined in a sample of first-time apprehended shoplifters in a court-referred treatment program. The findings indicate that a majority of first-time arrested shoplifters terminated their shoplifting activity after initial arrest. Those who attended the program have substantially lower recidivism rates and longer intervals than those who did not attend the program. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Empirical and Theoretical Considerations of Empathy in Sex Offenders

Abstract: This article examines the complex metacognitions necessary for a sex offender to achieve other-oriented empathy. Sex offender treatment programs appear to be teaching empathy without having a clear understanding of the difference between self-oriented and other-oriented empathy and without tools to measure these deficits or change. Discussion of factors necessary for formation of affective emotions is undertaken. The impact of shame on the capacity to experience one's own emotions is examined in relationship to childhood trauma Recommendations are offered to enhance therapists' skills to foster empathy in sex offenders.

The Psychosocial Development of Sex Offenders: Differences between Exhibitionists, Child Molesters, and Incest Offenders

Abstract: A number of studies have shown that there are differences between how offenders who have committed different crimes perform in therapy. This article aims to shed some light on these differences by exploring differences in the psychosocial development of exhibitionists extra-familial child molesters, and incest offenders. Eighty-one men completed the Measures of Psychosocial Development at intake into an outpatient sex offender treatment program. Profile analysis indicated that exhibitionists tended to have issues of trust, shame, and immediate gratification, which were similar to those experienced by extra-familial child molesters. Incest offenders showed consistently higher levels of development than the other two groups. These findings have implications for the ability of offenders to develop therapeutic alliances, the intervention strategies that would be effective, and the ultimate effects of those interventions.

Correlates of Visitation in a Men's Prison

Abstract: The number of visits and the number of visitors of inmates in a men's prison were more numerous with those inmates whose visitors were primarily family members. Visitation was positively correlated with proximity to the prison, which means the home was in Nevada Some suggestions are provided.

A Formative Evaluation of a Drug-Free Unit in a Correctional Services Setting

Abstract: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a drug-free unit (DFU) in reducing the use of substances by incarcerated adult offenders in a South Australian prison. Thirty-one prisoners from the DFU and 31 prisoners from the mainstream population of the prison participated in the research. Frequency of preprison and prison drug use was measured using the Drug Use Questionnaire and a questionnaire designed by the authors. Urinalysis records of all offenders passing through the prison since the DFU commenced operation were also examined. The results revealed that 84% of the mainstream group and 32% of the DFU group were consuming drugs in prison, with cannabinoids, opiates, and benzodiazepines being the drugs consumed in order of most frequent use. The DFU was found to have a significant effect in reducing the use of drugs by offenders in the DFU. Problems associated with urinalysis procedures and different substance-using patterns of offenders are discussed.

Loneliness in Jail: Coping Strategies

Abstract: Loneliness is a pervasive social problem and is experienced universally. It contributes to criminality and recidivism. The present study examined the influence of incarceration on coping with loneliness. Beyond the aim of gaining more insight into how offenders handle loneliness in jail, this study explores how marital status affects the chosen coping strategies (especially if the marriage has been terminated). The experiences of chronic and situational or event-related loneliness are also compared as to their effect on coping. Finally, the study is an investigation of the social stigma of loneliness, which results in people's refusal to admit it. As a result, when research is done, individuals usually report their recall of past loneliness. The present study presents a comparison of whether the salient coping strategies of offenders differ when they are recalled or when they are being experienced at the time of reporting.

Comparison of Early and Late Start Models of Delinquency in Adult Offenders

Abstract: This study examines the validity of the early and late start models of delinquency in adult offenders. Subjects were 180 adult maximum-security inmates who provided information regarding adult and juvenile criminal history, familial and childhood factors, and medical history. Significant differences were found between early starters, late starters, and nondelinquents for substance abuse, diagnoses of antisocial personality, childhood conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and childhood violence. Differences were also found in family history of criminality and substance abuse as well as childhood physical and sexual abuse. The utility of the early and late start models in identifying clinical issues in adult offenders is discussed.

Problems with Using Official Records from Young Offender Institutions as Indices of Bullying

Abstract: Official records were analysed from five Scottish Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) in an attempt to ascertain their reliability as a measure of the nature and extent of bullying. Misconduct reports were examined over a 3-month period, for all five YOIs, but such measures were not regarded as reliable indicators of bullying for reasons that include the weaknesses of the measures used, the manifold differences between institutions in terms of administration and inmate composition, and the nature of the behaviour being measured. More extensive information was also obtained from the misconduct reports of one institution examined retrospectively for a 4-year period. This was carried out to highlight changes that may have occurred in response to the advent of an antibullying strategy. Results are discussed in terms of the limitations of using official records as indices of the nature and extent of bullying.

Sexual Abuse of Children: Strengths and Weaknesses of Current Criminology

Abstract: In traditional perpetrator-orientated criminology, sexual abuse of children was seen as a rare offense committed by strangers. In this view, it was more likely to happen in the child's imagination. The presumed cause of the actually committed offense was the abnormal personality of the offender The psychical and social injury of the victim was thought to be rather small. Since the mid-1970s, this view has changed on account of empirical studies on victimization. In modem society-and victim-orientated criminology-sexual abuse of children within their social environments is no longer an unusual occurrence. It results from the disturbed interaction between offender, victim, and society. The psychical and social injury of the victim is very extensive in its short-, medium-, and long-term effects.

Trafficking in Human Organs: An Emerging Form of White-Collar Crime?

Abstract: This article is based on a review and synthesis of media information and the professional literature relating to international human organ trafficking. The article inquires into the global scarcity of transplantable organs and explores the typical circumstances that surround the sale-for profit-of organs. Factors contributing to the establishment of legal, as well as clandestine, organ markets are discussed, as are the efforts of buyers and sellers of organs to avoid, or to violate, national laws that criminalize the sale and purchase of organs in most Western nations.

Loneliness in Jail: A Study of the Loneliness of Incarcerated Men

Abstract: Loneliness is a pervasive social problem and is experienced universally. It also contributes to criminality and recidivism The present study examined the influence of incarceration on the experience of loneliness. Beyond the aim of gaining more insight into loneliness in jail, this study explores how marital status affects the experience of loneliness (especially if the marriage has been terminated). The experiences of chronic and situational, or event-related, loneliness are compared. Finally, the study is an investigation of the social stigma of loneliness, which results in people's refusal to acknowledge their condition. As a result, when research is done, individuals usually recall loneliness. The present study presents a comparison of whether the salient characteristics of loneliness of offenders differ when they are recalled or when they are being experienced at the time of reporting.

Nurses' and Patients' Perceptions of the Social Climate in a Forensic Unit in Wales

Abstract: The social climate of the hospital is an important determinant of the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour of patients and employees. In this study we explored the social climate of a newly established forensic unit using the short form of the Correctional Institute Environmental Scale (CIES). Our purpose was to assess the social climate in the clinic according to the views of patients and nursing staff The social climate profiles that emerged showed a high level of congruence between these groups. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences between staff and patient perceptions on three of the nine subscales-autonomy, practical orientation, and staff control. However, both groups perceived the level of staff control to be low. The unit was found to encourage open and supportive relationships between patients and staff.

An Assessment of the Effectiveness of an Intensive Treatment Program for Severely Mentally Disturbed Juvenile Offenders

Abstract: This study is a follow-up of a 1992 analysis of juvenile offenders with severe mental and behavioral disorders who completed an intensive treatment program on the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) at a midwestern juvenile correctional facility. The recidivism of this group was compared with that of a control group of offenders who were not on the ITU as a means of assessing (a) overall program effectiveness and (b) status as a mentally disturbed offender on the ITU as a predictive factor for further criminal and violent behavior This study specifically compared these two groups in rates of reoffending, type of reoffending, and sentencing. The results showed that ITU and control subjects did not differ significantly on any of these variables. It was concluded that mentally disturbed offenders who complete intensive treatment programming reduce their risk for further reoffending, including future violent offending, to levels similar to that of juvenile offenders from the general institution population.

The Trouble with American Forensic Psychiatry

Abstract: Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty with training programs and board recognition. The cornerstone of the field is expert testimony on subjects ranging from criminal responsibility to work stress to malpractice. In the adversary system, however, the impartial expert may well be a myth. By not paying enough attention to the problems of being truly objective in court, forensic psychiatrists encourage the hired gun label and risk making a mockery of their subspecialty. Solutions first demand ongoing recognition and focus on the problem by organizations and training programs. Giving up the idea of being impartial and openly becoming debaters committed to whatever issue is at hand is one possibility. Other solutions are also discussed. Giving up the work is one form of protest.

The Use of the Early Memories Procedure in a Psychotherapy Group of Substance Abusers

Abstract: Treatment programs in prison settings lacka solid basis regarding the rehabilitation of inmates who sincerely want to change. Although the need for practical and effective treatment programs continues to increase, few viable interventions exist. Richard's program for substance abusers, customized to eight modules for an offender population, constitutes one promising exception. One module, in particular, involves filling out Bruhn's Early Memories Procedure (EMP) and discussing these memories in a 10-person group. Although the EMP is fairly well known as an assessment instrument and is used in individual and couples treatment, nothing has been written about its application in a group therapy context. In this article, the utility of the EMP in a prison population of substance abusers is explored.

Moral Judgment by Criminals and Conformists as a Tool for Examination of Sociological Predictions

Abstract: This study illustrates how predictions from sociological approaches might be operationalized using a psychological measure, moral judgment. A prediction based on Merton's anomia theory, that offenses elicit greatest justification when the importance of a socioeconomic goal is high and availability of means to achieve that goal is low, was investigated. The design was a multifactorial manipulation of the goal and availability of means as well as other relevant factors. Results from this experimental procedure were examined on the background of data from Eysenck's personality questionnaire. The findings point to interactive effects of the importance of a goal, of availability of means and severity of offenses on justification for those offenses.

Children in Front of the Bars

Abstract: In 1993 a counselling project was initiated in the Netherlands for the children of prisoners. These children were introduced to mentors (volunteers) with whom they would regularly undertake recreational activities. It was assumed that shared activities would free these children of their isolation and provide positive role models. Extra opportunities to visit their parents in prison were planned In this article, the progress of this project and results will be given. Following a description of the project, the effects of parental imprisonment will be related to our assumptions.

A Prison and a Nursing Home: Any Similarities?

Abstract: Although diversity exists between a prison and a nursing home, there are similarities. In both institutions, the staff members who have the most contact with the population (guards and nurse's aides) had the least amount of professional training in mental health. Significantly, in both institutions, prisoners and residents with whom I worked chose either to be a prisoner or to have a physical disability over mental illness. Two other similarities occurred: food (negative evaluation) and the importance of visitors.

The Impact of Mandatory Relocation on Female Maximum Security Inmates

Abstract: Astute observations, as well as psychological research, have suggested that environmental changes are often stressful events, particularly if out of one s control. This study empirically investigated the responses of female maximum security inmates to a mandatory and permanent relocation from one facility to another (a distance of approximately 80 miles). The findings indicate that inmates who experienced anxiety prior to the move had more difficulty adjusting to the new facility than those who did not have anxiety prior to the move. More specifically, anxiety and anger prior to the move predicted depression after the move. Anxiety and focusing on the perceived problem (i.e., the move) predicted anger after arrival at the new facility.

The Dilemmas of Corrections and the Legacy of David Fogel

Abstract: Even the most cursory examination of the history of corrections reveals the absence of any lasting conviction as to the proper purpose and administration of a correctional system Alternatives fiercely promoted in one decade fall victim to raging controversy in the next. In spite of decades of effort and experience, the expenditure of billions of dollars, and reform itself becoming a chronic process, no consensus has been reached: It is a history of dilemma. It is against this background that David Fogel conducted much of his innovative work to develop the justice model.

Measuring Conflict Tactics in Offender and Nonoffender Populations

Abstract: A 50-item self-rating scale, the Getting Along Scale (GAS), was developed in order to provide information that would (a) identify offenders who might be physically dangerous, (b) identify offenders who might cause psychological harm to others whose living or working environment they shared, and (c) contribute to the development of treatment programs for violent or abusive offenders. The items represent a range of positive and negative tactics used in conflict situations. The scale examines the use of these tactics in conflict with strangers and known persons.