The Influence of Exercise on Inmate Depression
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Criminal Justice/Research Track, Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Katy Hancock
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this research is to evaluate if different exercise levels of inmates are predictive of their overall depression levels. I hypothesized that higher levels of physical activity in each individual would predict lower scores on a depression scale. Another key variable I examined was if the type of exercise primarily performed by each inmate was connected to their depression scale scores. I hypothesized that cardio-oriented exercises would be most effective in promoting these lower scores. This research is important because lessening depression levels in inmates can decrease the amount of depression medication being given in prisons, and it is possible that lowering depression could lessen recidivism, including violent behavior during and after incarceration.
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Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
The Influence of Exercise on Inmate Depression
The purpose of this research is to evaluate if different exercise levels of inmates are predictive of their overall depression levels. I hypothesized that higher levels of physical activity in each individual would predict lower scores on a depression scale. Another key variable I examined was if the type of exercise primarily performed by each inmate was connected to their depression scale scores. I hypothesized that cardio-oriented exercises would be most effective in promoting these lower scores. This research is important because lessening depression levels in inmates can decrease the amount of depression medication being given in prisons, and it is possible that lowering depression could lessen recidivism, including violent behavior during and after incarceration.