Life Events and Prisoners

Recent Life Changes Amongst Recidivist and First Time Prisoners Prior to Imprisonment

“…Scores of 300 life change units are considered as constituting a major crisis situation and a score of over 200 is considered a high score. These findings are similar to Masuda et al (1978) who observed amongst their prisoners an average of 361 life change units in the year before incarceration. In particular, these observers reported events related to changes of residence, working conditions, sleeping habits and noted that their prisoners had experienced a number of marriages, divorces and marital separations.…”

“…Much research is now available indicating that an accumulation of life changes is associated with the onset of illness and more recently this work has been extended into the behavioural sphere. Masuda et al (1978) had shown mounting frequency of life events prior to imprisonment but had especially implicated young men who had been well-educated and who had held a skilled occupation. This identified group is not typical of men in prison and reflects a sample of prisoners who had volunteered to fill out the questionnaire.…”

“Kick 'Em When They're Down”: Explanations of the Relationship Between Stress and Interpersonal Aggression and Violence

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Childhood Instability and Girls’ Delinquency: Role of Changes in Schools, Homes, and Caregivers

“…Using this method, Masuda, Cutler, Hein, and Holmes (1978) examined the number and severity of life changes in male prisoners over a 10-year span (i.e., 5 years before incarceration and 5 years after incarceration). They found that the year before incarceration, life change scores were highest.…”