Abstract Prison animal programs have been rapidly becoming commonplace in many correctional facilities around the world. However, the research on their effects are still forthcoming. This study analyzes the effect of prison animal programs on inmates’ perceptions on the pains/strains of imprisonment through the use of surveys given to a diverse group of male inmates at three South Carolina correctional facilities. Results indicate that both direct and indirect contact with animals (dogs, cats, horses, cattle and bees) leads to a reduction in their perceptions of the pains/strains of imprisonment when compared to a similar group of inmates with no animal contact. These findings have important policy implications for correctional administrators regarding the use of animals to reduce inmate discontent.

中文翻译：

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内在的外在感触：动物接触对监禁的痛苦/紧张的影响

摘要监狱动物计划在世界各地的许多惩教设施中已迅速普及。但是，关于其作用的研究仍在进行中。这项研究通过使用对南卡罗来纳州三个教养所中不同种类的男性囚犯进行的调查，分析了监狱动物计划对囚犯对监狱的痛苦/张力的看法的影响。结果表明，与没有动物接触的同类囚犯相比，与动物（狗，猫，马，牛和蜜蜂）的直接和间接接触都导致他们对被监禁的痛苦/劳累的感知减少。这些发现对惩教管理人员在使用动物减少囚犯不满方面具有重要的政策意义。