Stress and the Elderly Convict

Abstract

Forty inmates ranging in age from 63 to 80 were tested and interviewed to determine the degree to which they perceived the prison environment as stressful. They were compared on measures of anxiety, anger, and curiosity with a group of younger inmates and with a standardization group. Their responses on these measures were similar to those of the younger inmates but significantly different from those of the standardization group. The interview, designed to assess the subjects reactions to incarceration, indicated that these older inmates tend to create afacade of adjustment. This normal appearance, which results from a denial and suppression of their feelings, masks their stress and anger. This phenomenon of adjustment tends to inhibit development of programs to cope with this problem.

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