Date of Award
12-1-2022
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Criminology and Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Pleggenkuhle, Breanne
Abstract
Recent correctional literature has turned attention to the impacts of social support on formerly incarcerated populations. However, the research lacks the specificity of how social support may benefit probationers. In addition, most of the literature does not examine gender differences and the experience of social support. Finding a way to efficiently deal with being on probation and the many conditions imposed on their freedom in the community in order to avoid probation revocation is a major concern and challenge confronting men and women placed under community supervision. Positive social support is vitally relevant to supervision well-being. From the reentry standpoint, exploring the effects and role of social support on individuals under probation supervision is critical to understanding positive supervision outcomes. Using in-person interviews, this study explored types and sources of support received by 28 individuals under probation supervision.Probationers discussed family members as substantial providers of both instrumental and emotional support. This includes the provision of housing, transportation, caring for their children, and overall assistance in navigating difficult situations. Support from romantic partners was also reported, with emotional support being common. The findings from the data suggest that social support has pivotal impacts on one's well-being/ success during reentry. This study adds to the body of literature on social support and probationers by comparing men and women's experiences and the perceived availability of social support. Findings from the data reveal gender variations in the type of support received and the perceived sources of support. Implications for correctional policies that target probationers in terms of promoting positive family-probationer bonding and a clear comprehension of positive supervision outcomes via the enhancement of social support are discussed.
Access
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