Need Associations of Male Prisoners: A Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Murray Needs

Abstract

Previous studies have revealed quantitative differences between delinquents and nondelinquents in the strength of Murray needs. To provide clarification and elaboration of such past findings, need associations derived from the Picture identification Test were analyzed by t test and discriminant analysis for a group of 112 male prisoners and 112 male nonincracerated normals matched with the prisoners for age and education. Greater than chance (.05 level) numbers of association score differences were obtained between the two groups. Differences in need association scores were interpreted in light of past findings. Need association differences were revealed for the Achievement, Affiliation, Sex, and Order needs among others.