Doctoral Dissertation Research: The Impact of Victimization During Incarceration on Re-Entry to the Community

Rutgers University Newark, Newark NJ

Investigators

Abstract

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 11.6 million people were admitted to jail from 2011-2012; yet, there has been relatively little research examining the impact of short-term incarceration on offender adjustment. Two opposing theories have typically been provided to explain how inmates adapt to the incarceration environment. The importation model suggests that inmates bring a host of pre-incarceration experiences and characteristics with them into the incarceration environment that account for how inmates adapt and behave. Conversely, the deprivation model posits the oppressive incarceration environment is responsible for inmate adaptation. Research has found support for both models. However, these theories have not been tested longitudinally in jail. This project will test these theories throughout a stay in jail and into the community to update and expand these models. The study will test the overarching hypothesis that traumatic experiences with violence encountered before, during, and after jail are related to increased mental health difficulties and recidivism. Two hundred male and female inmates will be recruited to participate in the present study. Subjects will complete surveys approximately once a month for four months, starting from the initial point of incarceration and ending a month after release from jail. The subjects will self-report psychosocial problems including symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, antisocial behavior, aggression, and substance use. Recidivism data will also be collected for released subjects. The researchers will use self-report data on violence exposure prior, during, and after incarceration, to explain the development of psychopathology and predict mental/behavioral outcomes, as well as identify risk factors for recidivism. The current study is the first longitudinal examination to assess developmental changes in mental and behavioral health throughout jail and in the community. This project will identify risk and protective factors that can be used to create interventions and programs, reducing the risk of recidivism. By learning more about the context in which offenders must adapt, researchers can provide informed recommendations to policy makers and increase safety in communities and jails.