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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify specific coping strategies associated with psychosocial adjustment in a minimum-security prison camp for women. A sample of 153 female inmates completed a demographic questionnaire, the COPE inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Of 13 theoretically distinct coping strategies, 6 were significantly positively associated with adjustment (higher self-esteem, less depression, and less state anxiety) and 2 were significantly negatively associated with adjustment. Also, larger coping repertoires were associated with higher adjustment scores. Implications of the findings are noted for future research on teaching inmates coping techniques.

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The Relationship Between Female Inmates' Coping and Adjustment in a Minimum-Security Prison

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