Experiences of Confinement and Depressive Symptoms among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

• In Event: Health Criminology Panel 5: Correctional Health

Abstract

Objectives/Specific Aims. Past research has demonstrated a robust link between exposure to incarceration and mental health after release; however, we know little about how experiences during incarceration might impact this relationship. To address this gap, we investigate how experiences during incarceration moderate the impact of incarceration on the mental health of the individual years after the individual is released. Data/Methods. Data are derived from the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS), a longitudinal panel study of African American youth and their families. Using an internal moderator approach, we assess the effects of incarceration experiences on depressive symptoms years after the individual is released. Findings. Consistent with past research, we find that being incarcerated significantly predicts later
depression. However, moderation analyses revealed that, for formerly incarcerated individuals, experiences of violent victimization were associated with greater levels of depression, while receiving visitation while incarcerated was associated with lower levels of depression. Implications. Research on the mental health of people after release from incarceration is limited and what research does exist usually has only evaluated how exposure to incarceration impacts mental health. These findings add to previous knowledge by specifically considering how experiences during incarceration moderate the impact of incarceration on later mental health after release.

Authors

• Timothy Edgemon, Auburn University

• Eric T. Klopack, University of Southern California

• Ronald L. Simons, University of Georgia