Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2001

Thesis Director

Norman S. Greer

Abstract

Social interaction has been found to be a large factor in the recidivism of criminals. Many prison inmates have limited access to social interaction with other inmates as well as those outside of prison. This creates tension between inmates, guards, and society. The breakdown of barriers to open communication between inmates and others may be beneficial to the rehabilitation of criminals. Providing more access to visitations, telephone calls, and electronic mail reduces inmate aggression and encourages compliance to the prison and social rules. In addition, interaction with those outside of the prison acts as a continual reminder to an inmate that the accepted behavior within the prison walls is very different from that of regular society.

This study revealed significant differences between the attitudes toward prison guards between visitors and nonvisitors in relation to friendliness, warmth, respectfulness, impartiality, and inspiration. In each of these areas, visitors tended to have a more positive attitude toward prison guards than nonvisitors. No significant differences between the attitudes towards prison guards were found between visitors and nonvisitors in relation to professionalism, support, helpfulness, social, or adaptability.

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