A Study Of Public Opinion: The Importance Of Mental Illness Diagnosis and Perceptions of Recidivism on Parole Eligibility

Department

Psychology

Additional Departmental Affiliation

Sociology

Authors

Emily Pedigo, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The present study examined the impact a mental illness diagnosis has on parole eligibility mediated by the participants’ perceptions of whether the prospective parolee would commit future crimes if released. Participants watched a video vignette of an individual charged with second degree manslaughter and diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or bipolar disorder while incarcerated. Results indicated that a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder indirectly reduced parole success compared to bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder when mediated by participants’ perceptions of whether the convict would recommit a crime following release.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Christopher Peters, Ph.D.

Disciplines

Criminology | Psychology

Recommended Citation

Pedigo, Emily, "A Study Of Public Opinion: The Importance Of Mental Illness Diagnosis and Perceptions of Recidivism on Parole Eligibility" (2023). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 995.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/995