The present study addressed the utility of the construct of social interest
as related to the behaviors of criminal offenders. Social interest involve
s concern for others and optimism regarding one's view of the world. Offend
er scores on the Sulliman Scale of Social Interest (J. R. Sulliman, 1973) w
ere examined along with demographic and criminal history predictors of paro
lee outcomes following release from a medium security correctional institut
ion. The results indicated significant relationships between social interes
t scores and offender outcome as demonstrated by employment status, new fel
ony arrests, and reincarceration status. The results have implications for
those involved in predictive and rehabilitative efforts with criminal offen
ders.