Hopelessness and locus of control in relation to success on parole.

Abstract

This study sought to determine any relationship that might exist between parolees' degree of hopelessness and their subsequent success on parole. Secondly, the relationship between locus of control orientation and success on parole was examined. To assess these variables, the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal External scale were administered to 50 participants. The comparison groups were comprised of the upper and lower 30% of scorers on each scale. It was hypothesized that those individuals with greater degrees of hopelessness and an external locus of control would be less successful on parole than those with lesser degrees of hopelessness and an internal locus of control. Success on parole was measured by the average number of parole violations received each month as determined by the chronological notes kept by individual parole officers. Two one-way analyses of variance revealed there were no significant differences between groups of high vs. low degrees of hopelessness or between groups of external vs. internal control with regard to success on parole. It is proposed that differences between the groups were not found because, while locus of control and hopelessness may be important individual psychological factors, neither of them take into account social support systems deemed necessary for desistance by past researchers. Furthermore, additional research is suggested; it is recommended that another method for assessing success on parole be used. The current study found that differences in the frequency of data entries and the amount of detail kept by each parole officer undermined the effort to gather clear, objective data.