Prisoner psychological research indicates beliefs about

Despite being punished for mistakes such as theft, violence, even murder, prisoners believe that they are more kind, generous and moral than those outside the bars. This is a new study by scientists at the University of Southampton (UK).

University of Southampton psychologists say that most people always consider themselves to have some outstanding characteristics over others. For prisoners, they often improve themselves by comparing, examining and concluding they are good, "great macho" than other contemporaries.

However, these prisoners raise themselves but neglect their inferiority to the community, which is subject to penalties for violating the law.

Constantine Sedikides - University of Southampton social and personality psychology professor and colleagues conducted a study with 79 inmates in a prison in the south of England. Accordingly, these prisoners will have to complete a questionnaire, which requires them to assess themselves with other prisoners and people outside the society.

Scores are rated from 1 - 9 with ethical standards, compassion for others, reliability, honesty, safety, compassion, tolerance, self-control and ability to comply with the law. the law.

The results showed that the participants judged that they were superior to other prisoners in all aspects. And more surprisingly, they thought that they were better and more trustworthy than those outside the prison, on the other side of the prison bars.

Professor Sedikides said: "Prisoners are strongly influenced by self-improvement engines . Any action will make them believe they are superior to other prisoners and sometimes far beyond ordinary people in the notch. edge law compliance ".

He added, this is not necessarily bad because these effects will help inmates less likely to commit crimes in the future. Because they are too confident, feel themselves better than others, they will avoid trouble after leaving prison.

However, we should also encourage and support those who have unfortunately made the mistake of having the opportunity to step through social barriers, successfully re-integrate into the community, and reduce the possibility of future recidivism.

The research is supported by experts from the University of London and Ohio University.