Prison Programs as a Moderator of the Effects of Visitations on Rule Infraction

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Prisoners face isolation from social spheres and challenges to sustain social ties. Most institutions attempt to maintain these ties and boost prisoner morale through visitation programs. However, research suggests visitation can agitate prisoners to commit rule infractions. There is a need to further examine factors which influence misconduct to help prison administrators and officers manage their institutions and better utilize existing resources. Therefore, this study examined prison programs as a moderator of visitation on rule infraction. Eleven negative binomial regressions were performed on rule infraction. The results of the study found three significant moderation effects among males and two significant moderation effects among females. For example, among males receiving visits, there were fewer rule infractions between those not participating in education and who participated in education (participated, M = 1.45; did not participate, M = .88). Among females, those not participating in self-help and received visits committed more rule infraction than those not receiving visits (did receive, M = 1.09; did not receive, M = .76). Findings suggest program participation does not necessarily contribute to reductions in rule infraction and could increase incidence. Interactions suggest differential effects for males and females.

Author

• Janice D. McCall, University of Pittsburgh