THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE ON INMATE MALADJUSTMENT

Course overview

This course is based upon material published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior by Sage Publications on behalf of the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP). This course, including the continuing education credits are offered free of charge as a benefit to all IACFP members. Abstract: Offenders are exposed to violence at higher rates than the general population. Yet little is known about whether exposure to violence impacts offenders¿ adjustment to incarceration. Using a nationally representative sample of inmates housed in secure confinement facilities, we examine the relative effects of exposure to different types of violence prior to incarceration (e.g., physical assault, sexual assault, child abuse) on inmate maladjustment. Results indicate that exposure to violence prior to incarceration influences individuals¿ odds of maladjustment during imprisonment, and that abuse as a child and physical victimization by a nonstranger as an adult are particularly robust predictors of maladjustment. Implications of these findings for future research and correctional practice are discussed. Forensic and clinical psychologists can benefit from this course. In addition, this course is appropriate for social workers and professional counselors, especially those interested in forensic psychology or those who work within the criminal justice system. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to enhance their knowledge of the effects of exposure to violence on inmate maladjustment. Authors: Meade and Steiner Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding attitudes and emotions in prison inmates. Specifically, a professional will: ¿ Identify the relationship between violence prior to incarceration and inmate maladjustment. ¿ Distinguish the impact of physical assault, sexual assault and child abuse on maladjustment. ¿ Describe predictors of maladjustment in prison inmates. Come visit us on the web at www.ce-classes.com