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

Abstract

The effect of family visits on prisoner well-being and future behavior is an important consideration in the development of prison policy. This review systematically examines current research findings that explore the impact of prison visits from family members on three specific offender outcomes: prisoners' well-being, rule breaking within the prison, and recidivism. The review focuses on visits by family and does not duplicate earlier reviews but rather extends them into current literature, through identification of empirical studies conducted post 1989, published since 1991. Ten studies met the stipulated inclusion criteria. All are case-control and cohort studies. The review of studies used a standardized quality assessment tool. Results show considerable variation in study quality, methods, and findings. However, studies consistently reported positive effects of prisoners receiving visits. Prison visits reduced depressive symptoms in women and adolescent prisoners. There was some evidence of reduction in rule-breaking behavior. One high-quality study suggested that visits reduced recidivism and increased survival in the community. Although there were positive outcomes associated with prison visits, it was not possible to draw strong conclusions for the outcomes of interest due to a lack of research, methodological discrepancies, and variability in outcome measures and results. The discussion considers the implications of the findings for policy, practice, and research.

Suitability of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support as a measure of functional social support among incarcerated adults with major depressive disorder

“…Social support is an important construct across populations and contexts including in the criminal justice system (Vaingankar, Abdin, & Chong, 2012; Zhou et al, 2015). Prior research suggests higher social support is associated with lower symptoms of depression, lower rule breaking behaviors, and lower rates of recidivism following release (Cochran, 2014; De Claire & Dixon, 2017). Unfortunately, social supports that existed before incarceration are often reduced or severed.…”

“…Prior research suggests higher social support is associated with lower symptoms of depression, lower rule breaking behaviors, and lower rates of recidivism following release WITTENBORN ET AL. | 961 (Cochran, 2014;De Claire & Dixon, 2017). Unfortunately, social supports that existed before incarceration are often reduced or severed.…”

Dukungan Sosial Dan Hubungannya Dengan Tingkat Depresi Pada Narapidana Anak

“…Belonging support dapat dapat datang dari teman, keluarga, bahkan penyedia layanan. Narapidana anak memiliki kebutuhan akan dukungan sosial baik berupa emosional seperti sebuah ekspresi empati dan perhatian yang hanya pada orang tersebut (De Claire & Dixon, 2016).Pembatasan interaksi antara narapidana anak dengan orang tua dapat menyebabkan anak menunjukkan tanda-tanda depresi, karena keluarga berfungsi sebagai tempat pelabuhan atau istirahat, pemulihan dan membantu penguasaan emosional (Friedman, Bowden & Jones, 2009;Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015).…”

Evaluation of the impact of family relations on prisoners’ health in Spain

“…Desde mediados del siglo XX, la literatura científica sobre contextos penitenciarios ha prestado una especial atención a la importancia del apoyo sociofamiliar, como un elemento clave en la calidad de vida de las personas privadas de libertad 14 . Se ha contrastado como un apoyo social activo (prosocial) durante el cumplimento de la condena.…”

“…Se ha contrastado como un apoyo social activo (prosocial) durante el cumplimento de la condena. Se muestra como una herramienta esencial para: el adecuado funcionamiento de la institución penitenciaria 14 , la posterior reinserción social del interno una vez finalizada la pena privativa de libertad 15 , la reducción de la reincidencia penitenciaria y la posterior comisión de actividades delictivas 16 , la mejora del bienestar físico y mental en prisión y la disminución de tentativas de suicidio durante el tiempo que está ingresado 17 .…”