Examining the Lived Experience of Prison using the Prison Climate Questionnaire

• In Event: Roundtable: Empirical Observations from The Scandinavian Prison Project - Little Scandinavia and Beyond

Abstract

For the Scandinavian Prison Project, the Prison Climate Questionnaire (PCQ) serves as a central tool for gaining insight and perspective into the lives of incarcerated individuals. Over the course of this longitudinal project, we have administered 7 waves of this survey to thousands of incarcerated individuals within the same facility. Results show both persistent patterns and interesting divergences as we compare results both within individuals, between units and over time. With the project and survey expanding to other prisons in the PA DOC, we consider the adaptability of this survey in other institutions, the applicability of this survey in trying to understand prison climate, and the triumphs and tribulations of administering surveys in prisons.

Authors

• Emily Greberman, Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice

• Synøve Andersen, University of Oslo

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University