Social isolation and inmate behavior: A conceptual framework for theorizing prison visitation and guiding and assessing research

The Effects of Prison Visits From Family Members on Prisoners’ Well-Being, Prison Rule Breaking, and Recidivism

“…The limited studies and their range of quality suggest that future research is needed to create a reliable evidence base from which sound policy and practice can be derived. This point is supported by a recent paper by Cochran and Mears (2013) that considered the elements required to develop a theoretical framework for prison visits to support the guidance and assessment of research in this area. This review recommends that future research should use reliable outcome measures, control for confounding variables where possible, use country specific populations to inform local policy, and investigate why specific types of visits have different outcomes for prisoners.…”

‘You’re all so close you might as well sit in a circle … ’ Carceral geographies of intimacy and comfort in the prison visiting room

“…Longstanding empirical evidence suggests that prison visiting, in addition to its observed value in upholding prisoners' rights to a private and family life, and supporting well-being whilst in custody, has a positive influence on likelihood of successful reintegration on release, and reducing rates of recidivism (Bales and Mears 2008;Berg and Huebner 2011;Clark and Duwe 2017;Cochran and Mears 2013;Derkzen et al 2009;Duwe and Johnson 2016;Liu, Pickett, and Baker 2016;Mears et al 2012;Mitchell et al 2016;Rodriguez 2016).…”

“…In developing a conceptual framework to theorize prison visitation and its potential effects, Cochran and Mears (2013) noted that existing statistical studies, in largely considering visitation as a binary event (i.e. one that either happens or does not), had overlooked the ways in which its inherent heterogeneity may influence whether it is harmful, beneficial, or has no discernible effect.…”

‘It was just like we were a family again’: play as a means to maintain family ties for children visiting an imprisoned parent

“…The Prison Service and other agencies working with prisoners recognise the value of maintaining family ties as the evidence overwhelmingly shows positive health and social effects when family contact is maintained (Cochran & Mears, 2013). While it is recognised that it may not always be in the best interest for families to stay connected during imprisonment (i.e.…”

“…Do sporadic play visits sessions have the same effects as more consistent and regular arrangements? Conceptual frameworks have been developed to guide research efforts in this area and these can be useful to better understand the prison visits experience (Cochran & Mears, 2013).…”