Lifespan Differences in the Social Networks of Prison Inmates

Abstract

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) (Carstensen, 1992, 1993) accounts for lifespan changes in human social networks and for the motivations which underlie those changes. SST is applied in this research with 256 prison inmates and non-inmates, ages 18-84, from Mississippi, Kansas, and New Mexico. Two research questions sought to identify (a) whether inmate networks change in size, and (b) whether overall closeness within an inmate's network changes over the adult years. Results indicate that older inmates, much like older non-inmates, have few peripheral partners, are buffered from the wider population of prisoners, and interact within a small group of very close partners. Although older inmates are not completely isolated, they do maintain fewer network partners as age increases, like their non-incarcerated counterparts, and overall are as emotionally close to network members as non-inmates.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Religiosity on Valuation of Life Through Forgiveness and Social Provisions Among Older Incarcerated Males

“…Social network affi liations and provisions of older male prisoners have been reported to closely resemble that of older noninmate populations ( Bond, Thompson, & Malloy, 2005 ). For instance, older male prisoners are able to maintain smaller yet emotionally fulfi lling social relationships despite imprisonment ( Bond et al, 2005 ). This explanation for the mediating roles both of forgiveness and SPS is further strengthened by the study ' s third and fourth fi nding.…”

“…Based on previously reviewed literature, forgiveness is likely to mitigate an individual ' s negative affect, cognition, and behaviors that would otherwise deteriorate social network affi liation and frequency of network contact. Social network affi liations and provisions of older male prisoners have been reported to closely resemble that of older noninmate populations ( Bond, Thompson, & Malloy, 2005 ). For instance, older male prisoners are able to maintain smaller yet emotionally fulfi lling social relationships despite imprisonment ( Bond et al, 2005 ).…”

Prison Experiences and Psychological Distress among Older Inmates

“…However generally prison social networks appear to diminish with age (Bond, Thompson, & Malloy, 2005). In the absence of a supportive social milieu, isolation poses significant difficulties for some older prisoners (Aday & Krabill, 2012;Crawley, 2005), and the accompanying loneliness has been found to be significantly associated with psychological distress among this group (Gallagher, 1988).…”

Health and social care services for older male adults in prison: the identification of current service provision and piloting of an assessment and care planning model

“…2 Older prisoners are at a greater risk of becoming isolated within the prison environment and are less likely to have social support, putting them at a greater risk of developing mental health difficulties. 29 In the aforementioned study by Kingston et al, 3 half of prisoners in the sample (n=60) were identified as having a mental disorder, with depression being the most frequently diagnosed. Furthermore, 12% (n=15) had symptoms of cognitive impairment.…”