Exploring the role of communication skills among natives and immigrants on their misconduct behaviour in prisons

Abstract

As Norwegian society becomes increasingly multicultural and linguistically diverse and prison services continue to see larger numbers of immigrants, our knowledge about the interplay between communication and language and behavioural problems needs to be improved and addressed. The study focuses on language and communication problems associated with misconduct behaviour among immigrant and Norwegian prisoners. A cross-sectional study of immigrant and Norwegian inmates took part in six prisons in Norway, with a total of 250 inmates, where 88(35%) were immigrants and 162(65%) were Norwegian. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups: manslaughter/murder (p=.045) and assault/robbery (p=.008) and crime against property (p=.004). Norwegian inmates presented three times more risk of misconduct behaviour than immigrant inmates. Those who had communication problems less then once a month presented higher risk of misconduct behaviour than those who had communication problems more often. Those who have communication problems quite often seem to adapt to the situation: they adjust to it and are, in a way, able to put up with the situation. Those who have communication problems more rarely, on the other hand, seem to react with more built-up internal anger and, consequently, with more severe aggression.

Keywords:

• inmates
• immigrant
• Norwegian
• communication
• offending behaviour

Notes on contributors

Valentina C. Iversen, M Phil, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Leader of Research and Development Department, St. Olav's University Hospital Olav's Hospital/Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Wenche Langfjord Mangerud, M.Sc. in Neuroscience Ph.D.-student at Neuroscience Professional Development at Olav's University Hospital Olav's Hospital, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Østmarka.

Erik Søndenaa, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Researcher at St. Olav's University Hospital, Division of Psychiatry, Forensic Department Brøset.

Ellen Kjelsberg, MD Ph.D., Professor at Centre for Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatric Division Ulevaal, Oslo University Hospital.

Anne-S. Helvik, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.