The Effects of Custody in a Scottish Detention Centre on Inmates Self-Esteem

The present study assessed the effects of Detention Centre custody on levels of self-esteem, hopelessness, and custodial adjustment among 32 Scottish Young Offenders. All inmates were sentenced to a 3-month period of detention where the emphasis was on physical training, personal hygiene, keeping a tidy room and kit, and the demonstration of effort. Inmates were assessed on admission, at the mid-point of their sentence, and prior to release. The main assessment measures included the Bennett Self-Attitude Inventory, the Warr and Jackson Positive and Negative Self-Esteem Scale, Coopersmith 's Behaviour Rating Form, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Thornton 's Custodial Adjustment Scale. In generalself-esteem increased significantly over time, while hopelessness decreased, and a significant adjustment to the custodial environment occurred. Findings are discussed with regard to the nature of the Dentention Centre regime.