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Reduced Self-Control after 3 Months of Imprisonment; A Pilot Study
Jesse Meijers1, Joke M Harte2, Gerben Meynen3,4
1Section Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 17, 2018
Summary
Imprisonment negatively impacts self-control and executive functions, increasing risk-taking and reducing attention after three months. These changes in cognitive function may increase reoffending risk upon release.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Prison environments are characterized by limited autonomy and social interaction, potentially impairing self-control and executive functions.
- Imprisonment may foster sedentary lifestyles, further contributing to negative cognitive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 3-month period of imprisonment on self-control and executive functions.
- To document changes in neuropsychological outcomes following incarceration.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven male inmates in a Dutch remand prison participated.
- A computerized neuropsychological test battery (Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery) was administered at the start and after 3 months.
- The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to analyze changes in performance.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in risk-taking behavior and significant deterioration in sustained attention were observed after 3 months.
- Planning abilities showed a significant improvement with a medium effect size.
- Effect sizes for changes in risk-taking and attention ranged from medium to large.
Conclusions:
- Three months of imprisonment in an impoverished environment can lead to reduced self-control, evidenced by increased risk-taking and diminished attentional performance.
- These cognitive changes may impair an individual's ability to reintegrate into society and increase the likelihood of reoffending.
- The prison environment itself may contribute to cognitive deficits that enhance the risk of recidivism.
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