Working at the Social–Clinical–Community–Criminology Interface: The George Mason University Inmate Study

Abstract

This paper describes our attempt to import social-personality theory and research on moral emotions and moral cognitions to applied problems of crime, substance abuse, and HIV risk behavior. Thus far, in an inmate sample, we have evidence that criminogenic beliefs and proneness to guilt are each predictive of re-offense after release from jail. In addition, we have evidence that jail programs and services may reduce criminogenic beliefs and enhance adaptive feelings of guilt. As our sample size increases, our next step is to test the full mediational model, examining the degree to which programs and services impact post-release desistance via their effect on moral emotions and cognitions. In addition to highlighting some of the key findings from our longitudinal study of jail inmates over the period of incarceration and post-release, we describe the origins and development of this interdisciplinary project, highlighting the challenges and rewards of such endeavors.Criminal recidivism is a serious social problem. Countless tax dollars sustain the many activities of the criminal justice system as it polices, prosecutes, and punishes repeat offenders. Although numerous academic disciplines and subdisciplines pursue questions relevant to recidivism, historically there has been relatively little cross-fertilization of ideas and a surprising provincialism in terms of foci. For instance, social psychologists might focus on the socialization of inmates' crime-relevant beliefs while incarcerated, whereas a clinician might address the challenges of providing mental health services to inmates. A sociologist might elucidate the role of poverty in the commission of crime, whereas a criminologist might focus on best practices in tracking parolees. Although these varied areas of interest are understandable given the types of questions and methodologies that drive each discipline, we argue that great gains are afforded when one deliberately considers the intersections among these areas.We describe here our attempt to import social-personality theory and research on moral emotions and cognitions to applied problems of crime, substance abuse, and HIV risk behavior. Specifically, we seek to understand how to more effectively intervene with incarcerated adults to foster post-release desistance from crime and other risky behaviors. Moreover, we seek to strengthen our theoretical frameworks by considering and testing theories in real world contexts.

The Effect of Stigma on Criminal Offenders’ Functioning: A Longitudinal Mediational Model

“…Participants were 163 inmates recruited from June 2002 to May 2007 as part of a larger longitudinal study (Tangney, Mashek, and Stuewig 2007) at an urban adult detention center. Data were collected after entry into the jail (Time 1), again just before release to the community (Time 2), and then one year post-release (Time 3).…”

Jail Inmates’ Perceived and Anticipated Stigma: Implications for Post-release Functioning

“…Participants were recruited from June 2002 to May 2007 for a larger longitudinal study (Tangney, Mashek, & Stuewig, 2007) at an urban adult detention center. Data were collected shortly after entry into the jail (Time 1), again just before release (Time 2), and then at one year post-release (Time 3).…”

The Brief Self-Control Scale Predicts Jail Inmates’ Recidivism, Substance Dependence, and Post-Release Adjustment

“…Follow-up interviews began in 2003 and are currently ongoing. Details about study recruitment, design and data collection are available elsewhere (see Tangney, Mashek, & Stuewig, 2007). …”