Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Chair

Shelley Keith

Committee Member

Bert Burraston

Committee Member

Doyung Koo

Abstract

Drawing on General Strain Theory, this study examines how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape the choice of coping mechanisms of inmates within correctional settings. While prior research has explored prison misconduct, little research has looked at the relationship between ACEs, negative emotions, and prison misconduct. To address this gap, this study uses the nationally representative dataset, Survey of Prison Inmates (SPI) conducted in 2016, to explore how ACEs affect prison misconduct and whether negative emotions mediate this relationship. Findings from the regression analyses suggest that inmates who experienced more ACEs experienced higher levels of negative emotions and were more likely to engage in prison misconduct. The relationship between ACEs and prison misconduct is slightly mediated by negative emotions, while negative emotions directly increase the odds of prison misconduct.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.”

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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