Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
Criminal Justice BA
Department
Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Ragan Downey
Advisor Department
Criminal Justice
Abstract
This study examined differences in punishment orientation among undergraduate students, paying particular attention to variations across academic major, degree progression, and connectivity to law enforcement and corrections. This study explored how individual characteristics may influence attitudes toward crime and appropriate punishment. Data were collected through surveys which were administered in person to students enrolled in criminal justice or social science courses at the University of Southern Mississippi. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement on a variety of statements regarding punishment. These responses were used to calculate punitive and rehabilitative orientation scores. Statistical analyses were conducted to test for differences in punishment orientation across groups. No statistically significant differences in either punishment orientation were found between or among groups. Overall, this study underscores the importance of examining how college students, who are emerging professionals, conceptualize punishment. These perspectives may ultimately influence policy development and the decision-making of future professionals in criminal justice.
Copyright
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Recommended Citation
Johnson, Leah, "An Exploratory Analysis of Student Attitudes Towards Punishment: Punitive vs Rehabilitative Orientations" (2026). Honors Theses. 1082.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/1082