Turning Points and Change Among Prison-Dog Program Participants: Reflections after Re-Entry

• In Event: The Prison Experience for Incarcerated People and Their Support Systems

Abstract

Turning points are transitions that alter a person’s life-course trajectory (Widdowson & Siennick, 2021). For those who are incarcerated, turning points require the ability to “dig deep” (Maier & Ricardelli, 2022, p. 786), finding ways to fortify inner strength and changed worldviews that move individuals away from criminogenic beliefs. Specific prison programs or interventions may facilitate positive personal change, but most opportunities for personal growth in prison tend to be limited. This study examines the mechanisms that underlie the “turning point” process among incarcerated individuals by exploring inner changes among participants in Prison Dog Programs (PDPs). While existing research finds PDPs positively impact factors that support transformation (e.g., Grommon et al., 2020; Humby & Barclay, 2018; Smith, 2019; van Wormer et al., 2017), this paper takes this a step further, arguing that PDPs are qualitatively different from other rehabilitative options. PDPs are unique; they demand a lengthy, immersive investment, through which strong bonds develop between human and dog. Based on in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated men, this paper examines how the meaningful relationships they built with the dogs they lived with and cared for while in a PDP facilitated inner change, playing a major role in their turning point processes.

Authors

• Jennifer Kara Wesely, University of North Florida

• Gennifer Furst, William Paterson University

• Kevin Morris, University of Denver