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Abstract

The present study explored the effects of the demographic variables of age, race (ethnicity), gender, marital status, and education on stress, anger, curiosity, perception of institutional stressors, and reactions to institutional variables manifested by inmates incarcerated in Florida prisons. A total of 783 inmates were selectedfrom eight different institutions housing adult, youthful offender, and female inmates. The sample included some of the least violent and most violent inmates in the system. The measures used consisted of standardized paper and pencil tests designed to assess anxiety, anger, and curiosity. In addition, several nonstandardized measures of institutional stressors and of inmates' reactions to institutional stressors were also employed. The data revealed that inmates enter the institution with a set of personal characteristics that could have substantial impact on their relationships with other inmates and correctional staff. The results were interpreted in terms of both institutional and interpersonalfactors.

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Reactions of Prisoners to Stress as a Function of Personality and Demographic Variables

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