Cleaning behaviours in common spaces in using a low intrusion analytic-functional procedure

Abstract

The goal of this study, carried out in the context of a penitentiary, was to improve inmates” cleaning behaviour in “common places”, mainly the prison's yard. A natural and low-intrusion procedure was used. Oustanding features of the programme were inmates” and staff's active involvement and social amd material group reinforcement contingent upon adequate behviours. It was expected this would lead to other cleaning behaviours and help modify staff attitudes and beliefs concerning the posssibility of inmmates changing. Results show an improvement in cleaning behaviours and inmates” responsibility in cleanliness of “common places”. Most important of all, these changes remained in the six month follow-up.