Physical Size, Body Type, and Violent Victimization Among Incarcerated Men

• In Event: New Research on Prisons

Abstract

Lifestyle-routine activities and target congruence theories suggest smaller individuals may be at higher risk for victimization due to target vulnerability. However, research on the relationship between physical size and victimization among incarcerated people has been mixed. This study goes beyond prior research by examining not only body mass index (BMI), a calculation using height and weight, but also body type (e.g., small, average, muscular, heavy set). These relationships are tested using a sample of approximately 6,900 men incarcerated in Minnesota state prisons. The results showed BMI was positively associated with victimization, and that this relationship was observed for both muscular and heavy set individuals.

Authors

• Susan McNeeley, Minnesota Department of Corrections

• Amy Stutzenberger, Utah Valley University