SOCIAL DYNAMICS OF PRISON STUDY
Because people in prison are isolated from free society, are geographically distanced and may be emotionally distanced from family as a result of their incarceration, considering peer relationships that are formed within prison is a critical part of understanding what social support means for people in prison. This study investigates questions such as:
Moving forward, we intend to statistically analyze the Psychological Wellbeing Scale that participants filled out during this study prior to being interviewed, to examine the relationship between levels of psychological well-being and other factors, including time since release, employment status, marriage status and time incarcerated. We also hope to conduct further qualitative analyses on how incarceration impacts familial relationships, and to explore how relationships with correctional officers impact relationships between incarcerated people. Lauren also plans to write up an article for publication on social interaction as a process for identity formation behind bars.
- What impact does prison have on social relationships? How does it have this impact?
- Do the rules and regulations for people in prison within NYS prisons impede healthy relationships for people serving time? And if so, how?
- Does the social environment of NYS prisons impact how people feel about their personal role in society (during sentence and post-incarceration)? And if so, how?
Moving forward, we intend to statistically analyze the Psychological Wellbeing Scale that participants filled out during this study prior to being interviewed, to examine the relationship between levels of psychological well-being and other factors, including time since release, employment status, marriage status and time incarcerated. We also hope to conduct further qualitative analyses on how incarceration impacts familial relationships, and to explore how relationships with correctional officers impact relationships between incarcerated people. Lauren also plans to write up an article for publication on social interaction as a process for identity formation behind bars.
