Using General Strain Theory To Explore the Effects of Prison Victimization Experiences on Later Offending and Substance Use

• NCJ Number: 248850
• Journal: Prison Journal Volume: Online First Dated: December 2014
• Date Published: December 2014
• Author(s): Janine M. Zweig; Jennifer Yahner; Christy A. Visher; Pamela K. Lattimore
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2004-RE-CX-0002
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Country: United States of America
• Note: See NCJ 249084 for more recent version of this article.

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between victimization during incarceration and the likelihood of former prisoners' subsequent criminal behavior and substance use from a general strain theory (GST) perspective.

Abstract

Data from the multi-site evaluation of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative were used, involving interviews with 543 men and 168 women in 12 states at four time points: once before prison release and three times after release. Path analyses show support for GST by indicating that prisoners who are physically assaulted or threatened have negative emotional reactions to such experiences, specifically hostility and depression, which increases their likelihood of violent criminal behavior and substance use after release. (Publisher abstract modified)