Wardens’ Attitudes Toward Conjugal Visitation Programs

Abstract

Of the two available studies that have been conducted on wardens’ attitudes toward conjugal visitation programs in the United States, the information regarding this important and controversial topic is outdated. Using data gathered from anonymous questionnaires completed by 226 male and female wardens from state-operated institutions, this study examined which demographic and institutional variables affect wardens’ beliefs regarding the potential benefits of conjugal visitation programs (e.g., maintaining family stability and reducing institutional violence and homosexual behavior). The most salient variables in the model were experience with conjugal visitation programs and education. In essence, wardens overseeing facilities having a conjugal visitation program and wardens with higher educational levels are more likely to believe that conjugal visits maintain family stability and reduce prison violence. However, it appears that, in general, wardens of state-operated correctional facilities do not believe that conjugal visitation programs have significant positive effects on inmates’ family stability or institutional behavior.