Pinched: Financial Strain and Stressors Identified by Incarcerated Men

• In Event: Prisoners' Pressures, Experiences, Reentry, and Post-release Outcomes

Abstract

The current research sought to document the levels and sources of financial stress in a sample of currently incarcerated males from a maximum security prison in the United States. Results from semi-structured interviews conducted in 2012 with 45 incarcerated males were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis to identify emergent factors and themes. To our knowledge, this study represents the first research to describe the pervasiveness and sources of financial stress among incarcerated males. Respondents self-reported very high levels of financial stress, with the main source of stress related to concerns with one’s ability to purchase items for immediate needs such as hygiene products. Frustration with low pay rates and the high costs of goods and services contributed to stress levels as well. Lastly, respondents indicated financial stress was also related to prospective issues such as needing money for reentry. Potential negative consequences of financial stress and recommendations are discussed.

Authors

• Brian Wyant, La Salle University

• Holly Harner, La Salle University