Those sentenced to prison bring with them individual characteristics
acquired prior to incarceration. This study assesses the effect of pre-prison
experiences on adjustment to the prison environment. Regression analysis
indicates that pre-prison experiences are significantly related to the
likelihood of participating in, or being exposed to, elements of the
incarceration experience that may cause Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
(PTSS).
A second component of this study assesses the relationship between elements
of the incarceration experience and PTSS. Regression analysis indicates that
aspects of the incarceration experience constitute traumatic stressors that
cause PTSS is some individuals. This study also assesses the relationship
between pre-prison experiences and PTSS, independent of the incarceration
experience, as well as assessing the relationship between a combination of the
pre-prison and in-prison independent variables with development of PTSS. Data
for this study are drawn from surveys administered to 208 men released from
prison in a Midwestern state.
Corrections and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms has application for
courses in criminal justice, criminal justice policy and programs,
criminological theory, psychology, psychiatry, methods, and techniques of
statistical analysis.
Daniel Murphy, Ph.D., FedCURE Board Member, BIO: http://www.fedcure.org/bios/murphy.shtml