One hundred ninety-four inmates responded to a measure that taps Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, dealing with the issues of identity. Information concerning previous and current criminal activity, along with basic demographic information, was also collected. Cross-checks conducted on selected information within the Utah State Department of Correction's computer system suggest validity for inmate self-reports. The criminal behavior questions were addressed in two main sections: previous and current criminal behavior. Results illustrate consistent relationships that exist between criminal behavior and cognitive identity style (the corollary to Marcia's identity statuses). The identity styles represent the process involved with personal decision making and problem solving. Individuals with the style labeled "Information orientation" thoroughly consider relevant information before decisions and commitments are made; those with a "Normative orientation" are primarily concerned with the expectations of significant others; and those with a "Diffuse/Avoidant orientation" procrastinate and fail to resolve confronting problems. Findings suggest that previous criminal behavior was related to cognitive identity style; current criminal behavior was not. Specifically, Diffuse/Avoidant individuals are more likely to engage in substance use at a younger age than their criminal peers, get arrested younger, be involved in multiple arrests and convictions, have spent a longer time in prison and/or jail, and to have previous and current property convictions. Inmates with a Normative style tend to use substances at an older age than their criminal cohorts, are about four years older at first arrest, have fewer arrests and convictions, spend less time incarcerated, and are more likely to have had a previous and current drug offense. Information-oriented individuals tend to straddle these extremes on most variables and show no profound trends in the data. Discrimination between Diffuse/Avoidant and Normative individuals has been found previously in substance use research.

The present thesis is a study of 103 LDS inmates at Utah State Prison. It tests the hypothesis that the inmates are more likely to come from non-cohesive homes. In 1959, Dr. Evan T. Peterson completed a study of three thousand 12-18 year old LDS male youths. Out of Dr. Peterson's respondents, 112 sixteen-eighteen year old subjects were selectively drawn to match the inmate sample in terms of fathers' occupation and education. This stratified sample was used as the control group. The study confirmed the above family environment hypothesis. It found that when compared to the control group, the LDS inmates more frequently came from homes where there was a general lack of congeniality, of family activities, and of family stability. The study concluded that a cohesive family environment is one of the most important deterrents to delinquency. The study also tested alternative hypotheses. The study confirmed hypotheses concerning religiosity, peer relationships and self-concept. This indicated that religion, good peer relations and a good self-concept are also important deterrents to delinquency. The study also tested hypotheses concerning SES and Anomie. It was concluded that a better stratified sampling technique should be used before the hypothesis, that social class makes a difference, could be accepted or not accepted.