The effects of occupation and education on punitive orientations among juvenile justice personnel

The objective of this present research was to examine the interrelationships between occupational role and education experiences with support for punitive attitudes among juvenile justice personnel. Multivariate analyses revealed that probation officers were less likely than correctional officers and teachers who worked in correctional facilities to indicate support for punitive responses to delinquent behavior. Increases in education reduced adherence to punishment orientations. Contrary to expectations, educational background did not mediate the effect of occupational role on support for punitiveness. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.