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The Psychological Dimensions and the Social Consequences of Incarceration

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  • Jason Schnittker

Abstract

This article explores the psychological costs of incarceration, with a particular focus on how psychological factors are related to the social and economic difficulties of reentry. Using descriptive information from a nationally representative survey, this study reveals considerable anxiety, fear, and uncertainty among former inmates. The evidence also reveals that psychiatric disorders are, in some cases, even more disabling among former inmates than among others. The article situates this evidence within the larger debate on the social consequences of incarceration and discusses its implications. Psychological factors are certainly not the only barriers former inmates will face, but they are neglected in the literature and play an important role in how former inmates respond to other difficulties. They are also at the center of a persistent dilemma: former inmates must establish social connections upon release, but they must do so while harboring the stigma of a criminal record. Furthermore, former inmates who have a psychiatric disorder may be particularly disadvantaged because they experience two stigmas simultaneously.

Suggested Citation

  • Jason Schnittker, 2014. "The Psychological Dimensions and the Social Consequences of Incarceration," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 651(1), pages 122-138, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:651:y:2014:i:1:p:122-138
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716213502922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paterline, Brent A. & Petersen, David M., 1999. "Structural and social psychological determinants of prisonization," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 27(5), pages 427-441, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fahmy, Chantal & Mitchell, Meghan M., 2022. "Examining recidivism during reentry: Proposing a holistic model of health and wellbeing," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    2. Das, Aniruddha, 2022. "Childhood police encounters, social isolation and epigenetic age acceleration among older U.S. adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    3. Testa, Alexander & Fahmy, Chantal, 2022. "Incarceration exposure and women's oral health experiences during pregnancy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    4. Bruce Western, 2014. "Incarceration, Inequality, and Imagining Alternatives," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 651(1), pages 302-306, January.
    5. Michael Leo Owens, 2014. "Ex-Felons’ Organization-Based Political Work for Carceral Reforms," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 651(1), pages 256-265, January.

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