Correlates of Deviant Behavior Among Inmates of U.S. Correctional Facilities

Deviant behavior (i.e, rule infractions and assaults) among inmates of U.S. correctional facilities can threaten the security of those facilities, enhance feelings of insecurity and deprivation among inmates, and hinder the success of treatment programs. For these reasons it is important to identify possible influences on an inmate's likelihood of deviant behavior during incarceration. This essay presents an integration of the findings from quantitative studies of the topic to date. Vie policy implications of these findings and methods of improving related research are discussed.