Nursing ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-14-2022

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between self-efficacy, participation in prison programs, and perceived ability to live crime free among male prisoners in state-operated New Mexico prisons. Among the 589 study participants, those who reported having received assistance in changing criminal attitudes agreed they would be able to live crime free at a rate 8% higher than those who did not (p = .029). Those who agreed that they are able to accomplish any task (p = .001) or who disagreed with feeling helpless to deal with problems (p = .001) also scored significantly higher in perceived ability to live crime free. This research provides evidence that prison programs focused on changing criminal attitudes and increasing certain types of self efficacy are associated with prisoners feeling more optimistic about being able to live crime free when released from prison.

Degree Name

Nursing

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

College of Nursing

First Committee Member (Chair)

Stephen Hernandez

Second Committee Member

Barbara Damron

Third Committee Member

Paul Guerin

Fourth Committee Member

Jongwon Lee

Sponsors

Noah Painter Davis

Keywords

prisoners, New Mexico, self-efficacy, prison programs, criminal attitudes, desistance

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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