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The Influence of Familial Social Support on Physical Health During Reentry

NCJ Number
254246
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Dated: 2019
Author(s)
Chantal. Fahmy; Danielle Wallace
Date Published
2019
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined how levels of and changes in family social support and negative interactions affected the physical health of 2,435 persons after their release from incarceration.
Abstract

Recent sociological research has turned attention to the effects social support has on one's overall health; however, the literature lacks specificity on how social interactions may be beneficial or detrimental to reentering citizens' physical health. In addition, much of this literature does not examine the potentially damaging effects of negative familial interactions. From both a correctional and public health standpoint, elaborating on the impact social support and negative interactions with family have on returning prisoners is crucial to understanding positive reentry outcomes. The current study used three waves of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) data set and a repeated measures ordinary least squares (OLS) model with a lagged dependent variable. The findings suggest that social support is important for the physical health of ex-inmates and thus success in reintegration. (publisher abstract modified)