Distinguishing depression levels amongst ex-offenders, whilst investigating romantic influences on each gender
Authors
Jinks, Mary
Issue Date
2006
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
There are two hypotheses of the study in question. One related to the difference in depression levels amongst gender, that is females would have higher levels of depression compared to males. Additionally, the second hypoFinal Year Project proposed that females have been influenced by romantic partners to commit crimes. This is linked to past research by Davis (1971, as cited by Gelsthorpe, 2004) and Messerschmidt (1986, as cited by Stolzenberger et ai, 2004). The participants were ex-offenders from 'Pathways' educational center, of whom there were 72 in total. The study was an independent samples design. However, the results were as predicted for the first hypoFinal Year Project, that is females seemed to have a significantly higher level of depression compared to males. But the results for the second hypoFinal Year Project did not correspond, as the study found that there was no significant difference in relation to one being influenced by a romantic partner to commit offences. Criticisms were noted, for instance the lack of accounting factors such as education and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, issues of a theoretical and methodological nature were also addressed.