Deterrent effects of sanction severity and the role of procedural justice in prison: a preregistered randomized vignette experiment

Objectives This study tests deterrence theory and procedural justice theory in prisons. Severe sanctions in prisons may deter detainees from misconduct. Recent research suggests that this deterrent effect may only occur if individuals are treated procedurally just by prison staff. Methods Using an experimental vignette scenario design ( N = 313 detainees and ex-detainees) we manipulated sanction severity and procedural justice across conditions testing the main and interaction effects of sanction severity and procedural justice on misconduct intentions (outcome measure 1) and compliance intentions (outcome measure 2). Also, we tested potential mediation pathways from sanction severity on these outcomes and the role of procedural justice therein. Results Individuals reported lower intentions to comply in the severe as opposed to the mild sanction condition (η2 = .03). There was no significant main effect of procedural justice on misconduct and compliance intentions. The effect of sanction severity did not depend on procedural justice. Additionally, the effect of sanction severity on misconduct and compliance intentions was mediated by the moral devaluation of authorities. Conclusion The present findings underscore the potential disadvantages of severely sanctioning in prison settings. Severe sanctions may backfire and decrease compliance intentions with institutional rules and staff.