Post-Incarceration Physical Health: The Role of Social Support for Reentering Individuals

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

Abstract

Compared to the general population, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals face higher rates of chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and infectious diseases. Those reentering society often leave prison with their health problems unchanged or, more likely, exacerbated; with incarceration considered a “catalyst for worsening health.” Criminologists have underestimated the potential for social support to impact positive and permanent reintegration success. Social support is a cost-effective and powerful tool that can be used to withstand the stressors of reentry and may have implications for physical health and recidivism. Social support manifests in many forms (e.g., showing love and encouragement or assistance with practical tasks) and can manifest in an emotional or instrumental way. Individual-level social support has been used in countless studies of health and stressful situations, but lacks a direct application in the criminological literature. Thus, this study uses a sample of Texas prisoners nearing release and assesses types of social support on their physical health one month post-release. Evaluating the correlates of the health and well-being of reentering individuals has implications for both correctional policy and public health. Findings and policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Chantal Fahmy, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Scott Decker, Arizona State University

• David Pyrooz, University of Colorado Boulder