The social climate in secure settings is an essential element to successful rehabilitation. Previous studies indicate that staff characteristics are a relevant factor contributing to a beneficial social climate. Yet, secure settings form a specific and challenging work environment. Staff members are faced with clients who present a variety of difficult emotional and behavioural problems. Social motives for caring and cooperation can be blocked in a threatening environment, favouring dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics between individuals. This observational study explores the reciprocal influences of social motives between clients and staff on the social climate within secure settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clients who are currently incarcerated within the specified secure settings.
• Staff members currently employed in the specified secure settings.
• Individuals (both clients and staff) who are capable of providing informed consent.
• Clients who are deemed competent and not under any disciplinary restrictions that would preclude participation.
• Staff members who are directly involved with client care and management.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clients who are not considered competent to provide informed consent.
• Staff members who do not have direct interactions with clients (e.g., administrative staff not involved in direct care).
• Clients and staff from open prisons

The study will involve approximately 200 participants, consisting of both clients and staff members from various secure settings such as prisons and forensic psychiatries in Switzerland.