| This dissertation summarizes a study conducted to explore the effectiveness of emotional intelligence (EI) training for adult male inmates. Acts of crime and violence cause psychological repercussions to crime victims and financial burdens on our society. Historically, those involved in the criminal justice system have strived to gather knowledge about criminal behavior in order to guide interventions. Furthermore, research on potential interventions has been encouraged in order to support evidence-based rehabilitative efforts that may ultimately impact recidivism. Emotional intelligence is a relatively new construct that may be related to social functioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of completing EI training on emotional intelligence scores for adult male inmates participating in a pre-release vocational training program in two medium security Mid-Atlantic state correctional facilities. This research examined Total EQ Scale scores and five Composite Scale scores (Interpersonal, Interpersonal, Stress Management, Adaptability, and General Mood) as measured by a pretest and posttest on the Bar-On EQ-i. The treatment group received a standardized EI training program, The Emotionally Secure Community Adaptation Program (ESCAPe) in conjunction with a pre-release vocational training program and those in the control group received the pre-release vocational training program only. Subjects included 65 adult male inmates, ages 21--53, divided into a treatment group (N = 31) and control group (N = 34). A 2 x 2 mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses in this research. Although means increased from pretest to posttest, significant differences were found only for the main effect of Group on the Intrapersonal Scale and the main effect of Time on the Total EQ, Intrapersonal, Adaptability, and General Mood Scales. No interaction effects were found to be significant. Results may be impacted by the type of sample, choice of testing instrument, and design of the EI training program. Recommendations for future research and program implementation are included. |
