Differential Effects of the Social Climates of Correctional Institutions

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the differential effects of the social climates of 16 correctional units. The study hy pothesized and showed that units which were different in social climate were also different on variables related to general resi dent reaction to the unit and on the initiatives which residents perceived themselves as taking on the unit. For example, the results indicated that units with greater emphases on spontane ity, affiliation, insight, variety, and autonomy had residents who were more likely to like the staff and to feel that they were able to test their abilities and to increase their self-confidence; and that units with greater emphases on affiliation, insight and autonomy had residents who perceived themselves as more like ly to take both submissive and autonomous initiatives toward the staff; i.e., who generally interacted more with the staff. The results substantiate the idea that different unit social climates have different predictable effects on the residents who live within them. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.