Futurelessness, Risk Perceptions, and Commitment to Institutional Rules Among a Sample of Incarcerated Men and Women

Abstract

Using self-reported surveys of a sample of 2,927 incarcerated men and women from correctional facilities of varying security levels in the United States, this study explores the interrelationship of futurelessness, perceived certainty and celerity of punishment, and commitment to institutional rules. Incarcerated individuals’ commitment to rules with an adult sample has not been explored with consideration to emotionality. Findings suggest that futurelessness and risk perceptions are directly and significantly associated with commitment to institutional rules after controlling for several importation and deprivation factors associated with institutional misconduct. Contrary to the suggestions of prior research, risk perceptions did not mediate the futurelessness–commitment to institutional rules relationship. Direct quotes from study participants are included to contextualize and frame the policy implications of the findings. Theoretical implications and directions for future research are also discussed.