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Altruism Behind Bars: Sharing, Justice, Perspective Taking and Empathy Among Inmates

Abstract  

Anecdotal stories suggest that inmates engage in altruistic acts to partially compensate for past criminal behaviour. Little
research has investigated this phenomenon. In this study, we used the dictator game—a measure developed in experimental economics—to
assess inmates’ and non-inmates’ altruistic behaviour. Furthermore, we examined whether personal belief in a just world (BJW),
perspective taking and empathy predicted altruistic behaviour. Our sample was comprised of 50 male inmates and 50 age-matched
non-inmates. Results showed that inmates displayed more altruistic behaviour and higher empathy compared to non-inmates. In
addition, in inmates altruistic behaviour was positively predicted by BJW and perspective taking, whereas in non-inmates altruistic
behaviour was positively predicted by empathy. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Pages 1-18
  • DOI 10.1007/s11211-012-0149-8
  • Authors
    • Michaela Gummerum, School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
    • Yaniv Hanoch, School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
    • Journal Social Justice Research
    • Online ISSN 1573-6725
    • Print ISSN 0885-7466
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 02/14/2012 | Link to this post on IFP |
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