The influence of perceived prison crowding on male inmates' perception of aggressive events

Abstract

This study examines whether, in a male prison, the subjective experience of crowding increases the likelihood that events are perceived as aggressive in nature, and whether the protagonists involved are viewed as more hostile, malevolent, and aggressive. In addition, this paper also examines the possible mediating effects of stress, arousal, and psychological well-being on two hypothesised relationships. First, these mediating factors are examined for the link between individuals' personal space preferences and their perceived level of crowding. Second, these factors are examined for the link between perceived crowding and interpretations of an aggressive event. Such associations may help to explain why crowding and aggression are linked within a social interactionist perspective. The results confirmed previous findings that crowding is linked to increases in arousal and stress, and a reduction in psychological well-being. This study also found, however, that those inmates who experienced crowding were also more likely to interpret behaviour as aggressive and violent. This relationship was not mediated by arousal, stress, or psychological well-being. However, these factors were found to partially operate in the relationship between personal space preferences and the experience of subjective crowding. The implications of this study for social interactionist explanations of the link between crowding and prison violence are offered.

Prison Effects in the Era of Mass Incarceration

“…Moreover, exposure to "long-term, intense, inescapable crowding" of the sort that characterizes many prison environments results in high levels of stress that "can lead to physical and psychological impairment" (Paulus, McCain, & Cox, 1978, p. 115;see, also, Ostfeld, Kasl, D'Atri, & Fitzgerald, 1987). More recently, British researchers found that high levels of perceived crowding in prison were related to increased arousal and stress and decreased psychological well-being (Lawrence & Andrews, 2004). In addition, the prisoners in this study who experienced prison conditions as "crowded" were more likely to interpret the behavior of other prisoners as aggressive and violent.…”

Come together: Two studies concerning the impact of group relations on personal space

“…It suggested that increasing population density had pathological effects on their physiological functioning and behaviour; such effects in turn served to regulate the growth of the population (Calhoun, 1962; Christian, 1961). Soon, though, crowding was found to have a whole series of negative effects on humans, including high blood pressure (Paulus, McCain, & Cox, 1978), reduced task performance and cognitive ability (Baron, Kerr, & Miller, 1992; Worchel & Teddlie, 1976), aggression and perceived aggression (Lawrence & Andrews, 2004; Leyhausen, 1965), attitudes towards the institutional environment (McCain, Cox, Paulus, Luke, & Abadzi, 1985), and reductions in both interpersonal attraction and altruism (Veitch & Arkkelin, 1995).…”

The Role of Perceptions in Dating Violence Among Young Adolescents

“…In a study investigating perceptions of peer relationships, researchers found that children who overestimated or underestimated their social competence with their peer group were more likely to have increased aggression (Brendgen, Vitaro, Turgeon, Poulin, & Wanner, 2004). Lawrence and Andrews (2004) investigated prison crowding and found that inmates that perceived overcrowding were more likely to interpret other inmates' behaviors as aggressive and violent, which may lead to increased prison violence. The literature reviewed above reveals the relationship between perceptions and behaviors; however, the development of these perceptions can be explained by theories that are based on social learning theory (Bandura, 1986).…”