The Effects of High Density In A Juvenile Correctional Institution

In this study, the density of dormitories was manipulated to study the effects of density on social climate, interpersonal relations, and physiological responses. One hundred and fifteen male residents, 14 to 18 years old, were assigned to two dormitories of a large correctional institution in which density levels were systematically varied over 6-week periods. The design allowed exploration of social and spatial aspects of density. The effects of high and low density were assessed over a 6-month period using Moos' Correctional Institutions Environment Scale, a sociometric measure of the dorm, ratings by teachers, and bi-weekly measures of blood pressure. The MANACOVA results indicated that there were significant effects for social density, spatial density, and the interaction of spatial and social density. No effects for blood pressure were found. The results were congruent with Baum, Harpin, and Valins' control model and Altman's stimulus reduction model.