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Applying Psychology to Imprisonment; Theory and Practice

NCJ Number
134050
Editor(s)
B J McGurk, D M Thornton, M Williams
Date Published
1987
Length
480 pages
Annotation
This book contains a collection of 30 papers written by psychologists on theoretical and practical issues related to imprisonment.
Abstract
The first seven papers deal with theoretical models that provide an understanding of some aspect of criminal behavior or have important applications for the future. Theories covered include the biosocial approach, the psychoanalytical approach, the reversal theory for motivation, the radical behaviorist perspective, the rational decision-making approach to crime, and the moral development theory. The remaining 23 papers, written by psychologists employed by the Prison Services, deal with the practical issues that a prison psychologist encounters in working with the staff and inmates and with management services and research. Working with staff covers the selection and skills training of the personnel as well as support services. Working with inmates deals with the assessment and development of various psychological treatment programs aimed at helping them cope with their sentences or adjust better after release. Management services includes developing systems, providing advice based on results of research, and helping to interpret output of management information systems. Research projects help define the problems by generating profiles of segments of the inmate population, by suggesting ways to overcome the problems, and by evaluating the efficacy of previous procedures.