Journal of Offender Rehabilitation

Williams, Tyesia; Howell, Leanne; Werse, Nicholas R.

doi: 10.1080/10509674.2024.2406759pmid: N/A

Abstract The prison environment has been synonymous with criminality, brutality, and drug activity. Yet, incarcerated individuals are expected to be released from prison clean from drugs and rehabilitated, with little to no access to the basic needs necessary to successfully rehabilitate. This single, qualitative case study explored the prison environment, basic needs, and the barriers to substance use rehabilitation. Data revealed that when basic needs were met, incarcerated individuals had the motivation to reach higher-order needs to aid in their recovery from substance use during treatment and that a negative or drug-infested environment and an unwillingness to change were barriers to sobriety.

Roxell, Lena

doi: 10.1080/10509674.2024.2406755pmid: N/A

Abstract Since the turn of the millennium, levels of recidivism following a prison term have declined in Sweden. The composition of the inmate population has changed, which provides a partial explanation. This study examines whether prison service interventions, such as the provision of treatment, education, and work, might have contributed to the decline in recidivism. The study sample comprises women and men who were released from Swedish prisons between 2012 and 2015. Data have been collected from the Prison and Probation Service registers and the Convictions Register. The analysis employs propensity score matching and regression analysis. The results show that the interventions examined have a positive effect on reducing recidivism, but that their explanatory power is limited.

Gehman, Rachel M.; Pinel, Elizabeth C.; Pyszczynski, Thomas

doi: 10.1080/10509674.2024.2406749pmid: N/A

Abstract Background and purpose Formerly incarcerated people die by suicide at a rate 6.75 times higher than the general population. In this study we ask whether existential isolation, the feeling of being alone in one’s subjective experiences, offers new insights into this staggering statistic. We specifically ask whether existential isolation predicts suicidal ideation among formerly incarcerated individuals even after accounting for their levels of interpersonal isolation, emotional support, and instrumental support. Method We examined cross-sectional survey data from American participants (n = 946) recruited over the Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform. Results Consistent with prediction, we found that people with an incarceration history reported more existential isolation, but not more interpersonal isolation, than those without an incarceration history. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that existential isolation explained additional variance in suicidal ideation beyond what was explained by interpersonal isolation, instrumental support, and emotional support. Fisher’s r-to-z transformations demonstrated that the magnitude of the relationship between existential isolation and suicidal ideation was stronger among those with an incarceration history than among those without. Finally, existential isolation mediated the relationship between incarceration and suicidal thoughts, even when holding constant other predictors of suicidal ideation. Conclusion Reentry programs may target existential isolation among formerly incarcerated individuals to improve emotional wellbeing.

Lowther-Payne, Hayley J.; Whitcomb-Khan, Ella; Ward, Fiona; Makri, Iliana; Gaskins, Nicola; Goldthorpe, Joanna; Wheeler, Paula

doi: 10.1080/10509674.2024.2406748pmid: 39483865

Abstract Prison leavers encounter significant barriers to successfully re-integrating into the community, which can lead to re-offending. Complex interventions which are multi-faceted and involve successful partnerships are needed to meet the distinct health and social needs of this population group. For this study, we conducted a process evaluation of a pilot project, which aimed to offer holistic support to prison leavers through a combination of peer mentoring, sport and physical activity, and signposting, delivered in a community setting. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with individuals (n = 14) involved in the delivery and the management of the project to understand how it had been implemented and what factors had influenced the delivery and partnerships involved. Factors that influenced project delivery included safeguarding and risk assessment concerns, lived experience of peer mentors, accessibility of the intervention, and the role of sport and physical activity as a vehicle for community re-integration. Partnership working was influenced by effective information sharing, organizational commitment, building relationships and professional networks, and regular communication between organizations. An intervention involving peer mentoring, sport and physical activity, and signposting, supported by close partnership working, was viewed as a promising approach to support the community re-integration of prison leavers.