Social climate and hope amongst staff and prisoners in a high security male prison
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 14 January 2021
Issue publication date: 25 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
There is an increased focus on making prison cultures more rehabilitative, with clear evidence that certain environmental characteristics contribute towards rehabilitation. To date, limited research has explored the rehabilitative culture in a high security prison. This study aims to measure staff and prisoner ratings of social climate and their levels of hope in such an establishment.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopted a quantitative approach, using the EssenCES and State Hope Scale. Data was analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests to explore correlations/relationships between variables.
Findings
Findings indicated that higher ratings of social climate were associated with higher levels of hope. Staff rated the social climate more favourably than prisoners, and Category B prisoners had higher levels of hope than Category A prisoners. No significant correlation was found between length of time in service or custody and ratings of social climate or hope.
Practical implications
This paper highlights the importance of developing a positive social climate and hope, supporting the rehabilitative culture initiatives.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the limited literature on social climate and hope within UK forensic settings. Furthermore, reliability testing indicates the State Hope Scale is appropriate for use with a UK forensic population, extending its application.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Registered Forensic Psychologist’s John Fisher and David Atkinson, for their guidance and support.
Citation
Gibson, S. (2021), "Social climate and hope amongst staff and prisoners in a high security male prison", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 26-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-06-2020-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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