COMPARISON OF STRESSORS AMONG FEMALE VS. MALE INMATES

• NCJ Number: 141520
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 19 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 43-56
• Author(s): J W Harris
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): 83-IJ-CX-0011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

The Prison Preference Inventory (PPI) and the Prison Environmental Inventory were administered to both male and female inmates in medium and maximum security facilities in New York State to determine if the prison experience was the same for male and female inmates.

Abstract

The sample of 942 males and 71 females represented a random sample of 10 percent of the total male population and 11 percent of the total female population. It was found that female inmates experienced lower stressor levels on seven of eight adjustment needs identified by the PPI. In general, female inmates reported significantly less concern for freedom, social stimulation, and support than their male counterparts. A greater percentage of female inmates had their PPI needs satisfied by prison resources than the percentage of male inmates. The traditional role of females is discussed in relation to gender differences found in the study, and the stress experienced by most female inmates associated with being separated from their children is examined. Gender differences in perceptions of environmental resources available to meet inmate needs are addressed. 51 references and 3 tables