FORMS OF ADAPTATION IN ROMANIAN PENITENTIARY
FORMS OF ADAPTATION IN ROMANIAN PENITENTIARY

Summary/Abstract: Objectives. The objective of this study was to explore defense mechanisms and the self-efficacy that inmates in Romania developed in their deprivation of freedom Material and methods. Data were obtained from 111 adult respondents divided into 3 groups depending on the severity of the punishment. First group (N = 28) with prison sentences from one month to 3 years, second group (N = 45) with prison sentences from 3 to 5 years and the third group (N = 38) with sentences with more than 5 years of prison detention. Three concepts were studied by using the following questionnaires or scales: SES for self-efficacy; DSQ-60 for defense mechanisms. Results. 107 individual had an average level of personal beliefs about their capacities to mobilize their cognitive resources onto the stress that they face in the closed environment, self-efficacy also influences the resources allocated into solving a task. Even though it seems that there were no significant differences between the 30 defense mechanisms and the severity of the punishment of the three groups (p = 0.008). Conclusions. The enclosed environment has a hidden role. And this affiliation to the "community" of the penitentiary can be explained by the immediate assumption of the captive role. Altruism is the main defense mechanism used by detainees from this research and this could come from their integration to the penitentiary environment. Most of the participants were recidivists and this may establish their attachment to the prison culture.

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