Examining the Role of Familial Support During Prison and After Release on Post-Incarceration Mental Health

• NCJ Number: 249069
• Journal: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Dated: 2014
• Author(s): Danielle Wallace; Chantal Fahmy; Lindsy Cotton; Charis Jimmons; Rachel McKay; Sidney Stoffer; Sarah Syed
• Date Published: August 2014
• Length: 1 page
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether familial supporteither positive or negativein-prison and after release affects mental health outcomes post-release.

Abstract

A significant number of prisoners experience mental health problems, and adequate social support is one way that facilitates better mental health. Yet, by being incarcerated, social support, particularly family support, is likely to be strained or even negative. The current study found that although in-prison family support does not affect mental health, post-release familial support does. Also, experiencing an increase in negative familial support is associated with lower post-incarceration mental health. The article concludes with a discussion of policies which may facilitate better familial support environments. (Publisher abstract modified)