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| Open Access | Evaluating the effects of reward systems on prison behavior: a systematic review
Johnathan S. Mitchell , Department of Criminal Justice, University of Riverside, USA Amira K. Hassan , Faculty of Law, Cairo University, EgyptAbstract
The use of reward systems in prisons has been widely adopted as a mechanism for managing inmate behavior and promoting rehabilitation. This systematic review aims to examine the effects of reward systems on inmate behavior, prison management, and rehabilitation outcomes. A comprehensive search of academic databases was conducted, and studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed for quality and relevance. Results indicate that reward systems can have positive effects on promoting desirable behaviors, such as compliance with rules, participation in rehabilitative programs, and reduced recidivism. However, the effectiveness of reward systems is influenced by factors such as the type of reward, consistency of implementation, and the relationship between rewards and long-term behavior change. The review concludes that while reward systems can be a useful tool in prison management, their success depends on proper implementation and alignment with broader rehabilitation goals.
Keywords
Reward Systems, Prison Behavior, Inmate Rehabilitation
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Copyright (c) 2025 Johnathan S. Mitchell, Amira K. Hassan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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