THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEMALE INMATES COPING AND ADJUSTMENT IN A MINIMUM-SECURITY PRISON

The purpose of this study was to identify specific coping strategies a ssociated with psychosocial adjustment in a minimum-security prison ca mp for women. A sample of 153 female inmates completed a demographic q uestionnaire, the COPE inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, t he Beck Depression Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Of 13 theoretically distinct coping strategies, 6 were significantly posi tively associated with adjustment (higher self-esteem, less depression , and less state anxiety) and 2 were significantly negatively associat ed with adjustment. Also, larger coping repertoires were associated wi th higher adjustment scores. Implications of the findings are noted fo r future research on teaching inmates coping techniques.