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DOI: 10.1177/0093854807306835 Belief in a Personal Just World, Justice Judgments, and Their Functions for PrisonersMartin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, claudia.dalbert{at}paedagogik.uni-halle.de
Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg This study focuses on the relationship between the experience of justice, belief in a just world (BJW), and the feelings of adult male prisoners. The sample comprised 100 adult male prisoners from a German prison. Regression analysis provided evidence for the assimilation function of the BJW: High believers evaluated the legal proceedings, their interpersonal treatment by their corrections officers, and decisions on prison affairs as more just; they reported better well-being and were less likely to express anger as outburst behavior. Interpersonal justice was particularly important in explaining well-being. The results persisted when controlling for social desirability, criminal background, and personal background. The role of BJW and interpersonal justice as a resource for adaptive social behavior and subjective well-being is discussed.
Key Words: just world belief prisoners justice judgments well-being anger
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