Indirect aggression use and its experience in penitentiary incarceration

Abstract

Introduction: Aim of the research presented in this article is investigation of indirect aggression among inmates. Indirect aggression covers aggressive behaviors toward social position and reputation of the victim, such as ridiculing, disseminating of fake information and social exclusion. Relationship between use of indirect aggression and being victim of indirect aggression in penitentiary context was examined. Sex differences in indirect aggression also was considered. Moreover, direct aggression, anger and hostility were tested as predictors of indirect aggression.Method: Two versions of Indirect aggression scale (IAS-Aggressor, IAS-Target) as well as Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire to examined selected psychological variables were used. Cumulatively 78 penitentiary recidivists and first time sentenced were examined (40 males, 38 females).Results: Relationship between inmate’s indirect aggression use and its experience was revealed. The research show also that male offenders more often use indirect aggression than sentenced woman. Physical aggression and hostility predicted indirect aggression in investigated penitentiary sample.Key practitioner massages: Presented research suggest that indirect aggression among inmates can be a serious threat during incarceration. From that reason early diagnosis and prevention of covert aggressive behaviors among inmates is needed.

Keywords

• indirect aggression
• hostility
• penitentiary incarceration
• sex differences