PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE PREDICTABILITY OF PRISON RELEASE: Implications for the Sentencing Debate

In: Criminology: the official publication of the American Society of Criminology, Volume 18, Issue 3, p. 363-384

Abstract

Abstract Although the determinate sentence is generally discussed as a unified concept, it appears to be comprised of two independent factors which can be considered separately‐equity in sentencing and predictability of release. This paper features one component of the determinate sentence, predictability of release, in an attempt to demonstrate the advantages of providing inmates with advance information concerning their release dates. Evidence from psychological research on stress and intrinsic motivation is presented to substantiate claims by critics of the indeterminate sentence that it results in heightened inmate‐anxiety and poor program‐performance. Ensuring predictability of release is an important objective which is likely to result in benefits for both inmates and the correctional system as a whole.