“Self-explanation” and impression management amoung inmates

Abstract

“Self-explanations” amoung inmates were examined from the point of view of the impression management theory by Tedeschi et al (1981). Seeing that the situation in correctional institution is fundamentally conceived as “identity-threatening situation” for the inmates, this impression managament theory is expected to present an available frame work to interprete their explanations of their own criminal behaviors. In consequence, Tedeschi’s theory was recognized to be only partially available to interprete the self-explanations by prisoners or delinquent inmates. In order to understand their self-explanations entirely, it is necessary to add some other categories of impression management strategy and tactics.