Does Hard Work Pay Off? Examining Predictors of Retention in Longitudinal Research among Recently Released Prisoners

• In Event: The LoneStar Project: Factors Affecting the Health, Victimization, Retention, and Recidivism of Gang and Non-gang Members nearing Release

Abstract

Longitudinal data can be very useful in explaining reentry experiences and life-course trajectory; however, the challenges in maintaining study participants overtime can be challenging—especially when dealing with a high-risk population, such as recently released prisoners. Retention literature has found building rapport during interviews, gathering thorough contact information and incentives to be associated with increased retention for longitudinal studies. It is unclear if these covariates similarly predict retention among high-risk offenders—particularly gang members. Using data from the LoneStar project, the current study investigates predictors of retention among recently released prisoners and explores whether those predictors differentiate between gang and non-gang members. Demographic, behavioral, and survey-related covariates are explored to better understand what type of participants were most likely to complete follow-up interviews and how quickly those interviews were completed. Gaining this insight will better prepare future researchers in two ways. First, it further demonstrates that longitudinal research is, in fact, possible among difficult to reach populations. Second, this study provides information about which groups may need concerted retention efforts and what procedures during the data collection process may maximize retention rates.

Authors

• Kendra J. Clark, University of Colorado Boulder

• Meghan Mitchell, University of Central Florida

• Chantal Fahmy, University of Texas at San Antonio

• David Pyrooz, University of Colorado Boulder

• Scott Decker, Arizona State University