“To come out of jail, it’s like, you’re lost”: psychological barriers women experience during community reintegration after incarceration

Abstract

As the fastest-growing prison population worldwide, women face distinct barriers to community reintegration after incarceration. Gender disparities substantially impact mental and emotional wellness, overlapping with negative coping strategies (e.g. substance use) and, therefore, involvement with the legal system. The current thesis includes two studies that examined the obstacles and distinct needs that women experience after incarceration. Using survey responses, study one explored the relationship between psychological barriers (i.e. selfesteem, self-stigma, social support, loneliness, and trauma) and prosocial reintegration and community connection. Results showed that self-esteem, social support, self-stigma, and loneliness are associated with reintegration and community connection. Through conducting interviews, study two investigated women’s experiences and the barriers to reintegration. Results showed four overarching themes: connection as a pillar of healing, individual barriers, structural and systemic barriers, and ways forward. These findings demonstrate the need for additional resources and an improved release plan recognizing the obstacles women face during reintegration.