Derek A Kreager1, Hanneke Palmen2, Anja J E Dirkzwager3, Paul Nieuwbeerta2. 1. Department of Sociology and Criminology, Pennsylvania State University, 211 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA 16802, USA. Electronic address: dak27@psu.edu. 2. Department of Criminology, Leiden University, Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES Leiden, The Netherlands. 3. Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), De Boelelaan 1077a, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prior research demonstrates a strong positive association between social integration (e.g., strong social ties) and individual health. However, researchers also emphasize that this correlation may vary by context and potentially reverse direction under certain conditions. In this study, we draw on competing criminological theories of peer relations to examine if social integration, measured by trust in peers, is positively or negatively associated with violence and mental health of men detained in pre-trial confinement facilities. METHODS: We test our hypotheses with peer network and health data from 467 Dutch male pre-trial detainees. RESULTS: Results suggest that peer trust has no direct association with reported rates of peer aggression while detained and low peer trust is generally protective for mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Our study adds to a small body of literature finding that social integration within certain correctional settings may not operate in the same way that it does in the general population and may actually contribute to adverse mental health outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Prior research demonstrates a strong positive association between social integration (e.g., strong social ties) and individual health. However, researchers also emphasize that this correlation may vary by context and potentially reverse direction under certain conditions. In this study, we draw on competing criminological theories of peer relations to examine if social integration, measured by trust in peers, is positively or negatively associated with violence and mental health of men detained in pre-trial confinement facilities. METHODS: We test our hypotheses with peer network and health data from 467 Dutch male pre-trial detainees. RESULTS: Results suggest that peer trust has no direct association with reported rates of peer aggression while detained and low peer trust is generally protective for mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Our study adds to a small body of literature finding that social integration within certain correctional settings may not operate in the same way that it does in the general population and may actually contribute to adverse mental health outcomes.
Authors: Crista N Crittenden; Sarah D Pressman; Sheldon Cohen; Denise Janicki-Deverts; Bruce W Smith; Teresa E Seeman Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2014-06 Impact factor: 4.267