Originally published in 1987, the authors employed a longitudinal method for studying 568 inmates, and drew on psychological, social and health sciences assessments to identify the effects of various activities and actions, as well as personal and sociodemographic characteristics to identify what was particularly stressful for inmates.

Originally published in 1987, the purpose of Stress, Crowding, and Blood Pressure in Prison was to present, in a single location, the rationale, background, methods, principal results, analyses, interpretations, and conclusions of the authors’ studies at Massachusetts correctional institutions. Employing a longitudinal method for studying 568 inmates, the authors drew on psychological, social and health sciences assessments to identify the effects of housing mode, prison employment, leisure activities, disciplinary actions, and personal and sociodemographic characteristics to identify what was particularly stressful for inmates. A parallel study of prison staff and a specific series of conclusions and recommendations concludes the book.