Enhancing Social Support Postincarceration: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Pettus-Davis, Carrie; Dunnigan, Allison; Veeh, Christopher A.; Howard, Matthew O.; Scheyett, Anna; Roberts-Lewis, Amelia

doi:10.1002/jclp.22442

Cited by 20 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…However, a recent study evaluating the efficacy of a reentry intervention focused on social support found an inverse relationship between age and the amount of positive supportive behaviors reported in the individual’s social network (Pettus-Davis et al, 2016). Given these mixed findings, further research that follows longitudinally the relationships between gender, age, and perceived and experienced social support within a larger sample of reentering prisoners is worth exploration.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gender differences in experiences of social support among men and women releasing from prison

Pettus-Davis

Veeh

Davis

et al. 2017

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

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Objectives: Positive social support is critically important to postprison well-being outcomes. However, researchers and program developers are still trying to understand how to best promote stable and sustainable social support for formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry to the community. We sought to add to the body of knowledge on social support and prisoner reentry by comparing men and women releasing from prison on the quality (e.g., positive or negative) and amount of informal social support. Methods: A random sample of 395 male (n = 165) and female (n = 230) releasing prisoners participated in the study. After unadjusted bivariate comparisons, multivariate regression was conducted to identify gender differences in preincarceration social support quality of influence and anticipated number of postrelease support persons while controlling for important covariates such as substance abuse and mental illnesses. Results: Males reported higher rates of negative social support overall, and females reported higher rates of both mixed and positive social support compared to their male counterparts. Older participants reported higher levels of positive support compared to younger participants. Men of color reported significantly higher levels of positive support than their White male counterparts. Overall, women had higher prevalence of behavioral health factors that complicate quality of support. However, there were no differences in gender found for the amount of perceived social support available postrelease in the unadjusted models. Implications: Study findings suggest the need for gender-specific and culturally tailored targets for prisoner reentry programs addressing social support. Possible adaptations for interventions are explored.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gender differences in experiences of social support among men and women releasing from prison

Pettus-Davis

Veeh

Davis

et al. 2017

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Self Cite

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“…Moreover, RCTs and other evaluative studies that examine the effectiveness of social network interventions in forensic psychiatric populations are scarce. One pilot RCT that compared a short group social support intervention with a general re-entry service among a small sample of recently released prisoners, found no statistically significant group effects for social support, cognitions, substance use and recidivism [42]. However, larger sample sizes are recommended to reliably investigate the effectiveness of the intervention.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, the intervention comprised of a short intervention (i.e. 10 week training), while researchers emphasize that social support interventions for forensic psychiatric patients should be long lasting in order to find significant effects [27,42]. An evaluative study of a social support intervention among mentally ill prisoners during and after incarceration found a significant positive association with quality of life, but no significant association with criminal recidivism or psychiatric hospitalisation [43].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving mental wellbeing of forensic psychiatric outpatients through the addition of an informal social network intervention to treatment as usual: a randomized controlled trial

et al. 2020

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Background: Forensic psychiatric patients often suffer from a multitude of severe psychiatric and social problems. Meanwhile multimodal evidence-based interventions are scarce and treatment effectiveness is in need of improvement. The main goal of forensic psychiatric treatment is to address psychiatric and social factors and thereby mitigate criminal behaviour. Notably, a supportive social network is an important protective factor for criminal behaviour. As such, improving a poor social network may decrease the risk of criminal recidivism. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the addition of an informal social network intervention (FNC) to treatment as usual (TAU) among forensic psychiatric outpatients. Methods: In a mono-center randomized controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups, forensic psychiatric outpatients with social network-related problems (N = 105) will be allocated to either TAU + FNC or TAU alone. The informal social network intervention consists of a 12-month coaching intervention, performed by the forensic network coach (a volunteer trained by an informal care institute). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 18 months after baseline. The primary outcome variable is mental wellbeing. Psychiatric functioning, criminal recidivism, substance abuse, quality of life, social network, social support, loneliness and self-sufficiency are included as secondary outcomes. A variety of potential mediators and moderators of effectiveness will be explored. Additionally, a qualitative evaluation of effectiveness will be performed. Discussion: This study will contribute to the existing literature of forensic treatment effectiveness as it is the first RCT examining the effectiveness of adding a social network intervention in a forensic outpatient population. If effectiveness is shown, forensic mental health care could be optimized by collaborating with informal care or community initiatives aimed at improving a positive social network. In addition, results will provide insight regarding mediators and moderators of treatment effectiveness.

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“…This approach also aligns with many pre-colonial Indigenous concepts of justice (Dickson-Gilmore & LaPrairie, 2005;Napoleon & Friedland, 2015). For example, studies have highlighted that positive relationships and community engagement can increase parole adherence and reduce substance use (Pettus-Davis et al, 2017;Skeem et al, 2009); relationships with friends, families, and community can improve mental, behavioural and physical health outcomes post-release (Binswanger et al, 2012;Skeem et al, 2009); and sustained positive social support both within and outside prison walls can reduce recidivism (Pettus-Davis et al, 2017;Rocque et al, 2013;Wright & Cesar, 2013). The CSC currently addresses social bonds and community engagement through contracts with community organizations, such as the Elizabeth Fry and John Howard Societies, both of which support justice-involved persons and their families, including Indigenous-focused supports (Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, 2019; John Howard Society of British Columbia, n.d.).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

"Healing on Both Sides": Strengthening the Effectiveness of Prison–Indigenous Community Partnerships Through Reciprocity and Investment

Varcoe

Brown

Timler

et al. 2020

iipj

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This mixed methods study examined the impact of a prison–community partnership, entitled Work 2 Give. The partnership supports a program in which federally incarcerated men in Canada make items to donate to Indigenous communities. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participating men (n = 32), recipient community members (n = 29), and other prison and community stakeholders (n = 14). Selected outcomes (transfers to higher security, successful transfers to lower security, and serious institutional charges) were examined for 60 incarcerated men for whom data were available. Findings suggest that the program positively affected the men’s identities and provided opportunities for communities to help incarcerated men to heal; both sets of stakeholders see potential to strengthen the program. Whereas the emphasis has been on unidirectional donation, and the impetus for the program has been with correctional staff, findings suggest a bidirectional model with stronger feedback loops between the prison and community to support reciprocity, investment, and visibility would enhance impact. This model has broad implications for strengthening community–prison partnerships.

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Enhancing Social Support Postincarceration: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: This study advances research on intervention dosage, potency, and measurement considerations.

Cited by 20 publications

References 55 publications

Gender differences in experiences of social support among men and women releasing from prison

Gender differences in experiences of social support among men and women releasing from prison

Improving mental wellbeing of forensic psychiatric outpatients through the addition of an informal social network intervention to treatment as usual: a randomized controlled trial

"Healing on Both Sides": Strengthening the Effectiveness of Prison–Indigenous Community Partnerships Through Reciprocity and Investment

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