Citation

Van Voorhis P. Genet. Soc. Gen. Psychol. Monogr. 1985; 111(1): 101-126.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Helen Dwight Reid Educational Foundation, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

4054604

Abstract

Probationers ordered to pay restitution were classified by Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development in order to (a) identify background correlates of moral development; (b) explore the relation between moral development and restitution compliance; and (c) differentially identify facilitating circumstances of restitution. The research was conducted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1978 to 1980. Sixty-three probationers were interviewed and classified by moral development, I-level, and by ratings on relevant personality dimensions. Six-month follow-up data were collected from probation records. The results revealed significant relationships (p less than.05) between moral development and ethnicity, education, occupation, income, prior fines, weapons possession, knowing the victim, I-level, responsibility, and empathy. In addition, high-maturity offenders were more likely to reimburse their victims than were low-maturity offenders. Finally, multivariate analysis revealed numerous circumstances of restitution that differentially impacted upon offenders' compliance with the terms of restitution.

Language: en