| dc.description.abstract | Harrison Gough's Socialization (SO) and Responsibility (RE) Scales were administered to 200 medium security inmates from a midwestern state correctional facility, housing approximately 600 offenders. These scales, which are extracted from the California Psychological Inventory, have been used to measure the depth and extent of delinquency and criminality. The two scales were administered in an attempt to show a relationship between the incarcerated offenders' SO and RE scores and rate of recidivism. More specifically, the information was gathered in order to determine whether or not a distinction existed between the scores of the first-term offender (first-time incarcerated) and the multi-term offender (more than one incarceration). In addition, comparisons of first-term and multi-term offenders, in relation to various sociodemographic variables are presented. One of the problems encountered during the course of the study was that a first-term offender is, of course, not necessarily a single-term offender. An assessment tool to accurately predict, in every case, whether or not a first-term offender will be a recidivist, currently does not exist. It is probable, based on numerous studies on recidivism in recent years, that a large percentage (70% plus, .nationally) of the first-term offenders in the sample will return to prison subsequent to their release. It is my contention, however, that the data gathered and the findings revealed will offer a positive contribution to the existing body of literature concerning recidivism and the depth and extent of delinquency and criminality. | |
