Inmates' Attributions
- 30 June 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Criminal Justice and Behavior
- Vol. 8 (2), 159-172
- https://doi.org/10.1177/009385488100800203
Abstract
This study examined inmates' explanations (or attributions) about the causes of their criminal behavior. It was predicted that inmates with previous records, as well as those who acted alone would attribute their crimes to internal, dispositional factors. Also, it was expected that multiple explanations would be given for severe offenses. It was anticipated that causal attributions would be related to inmates' feelings about their situation and how well they coped in prison. Data were collected by interviewing 60 inmates in a medium security Canadian penitentiary. The results generally supported the predictions.Keywords
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