International Journal of Culture and Mental Health
Volume 7, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 109-121

Exploring the role of communication skills among natives and immigrants on their misconduct behaviour in prisons (Article)

Iversen V.C. , Mangerud W.L. , Søndenaa E. , Kjelsberg E. , Helvik A.-S.
  • a Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, St Olav's University Hospital, Division of Psychiatry, Department Østmarka, Trondheim, Norway
  • b The Regional Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (RBUP) Mid-Norway Dept. of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
  • c St. Olav's University Hospital, Division of psychiatry, Forensic Department Brøset, Norway
  • d Centre for Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatric Division Ullevaal, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
  • e Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway

Abstract

As Norwegian society becomes increasingly multicultural and linguistically diverse and prison services continue to see larger numbers of immigrants, our knowledge about the interplay between communication and language and behavioural problems needs to be improved and addressed. The study focuses on language and communication problems associated with misconduct behaviour among immigrant and Norwegian prisoners. A cross-sectional study of immigrant and Norwegian inmates took part in six prisons in Norway, with a total of 250 inmates, where 88(35%) were immigrants and 162(65%) were Norwegian. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups: manslaughter/murder (p=.045) and assault/robbery (p=.008) and crime against property (p=.004). Norwegian inmates presented three times more risk of misconduct behaviour than immigrant inmates. Those who had communication problems less then once a month presented higher risk of misconduct behaviour than those who had communication problems more often. Those who have communication problems quite often seem to adapt to the situation: they adjust to it and are, in a way, able to put up with the situation. Those who have communication problems more rarely, on the other hand, seem to react with more built-up internal anger and, consequently, with more severe aggression. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

Norwegian offending behaviour inmates Immigrant communication

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84892779352&doi=10.1080%2f17542863.2012.722661&partnerID=40&md5=98fbf87ea97af75e60290a59bf7cb13e
DOI: 10.1080/17542863.2012.722661
ISSN: 17542863
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English