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Enhancing Social Support Postincarceration: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal article   Peer reviewed

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

Carrie Pettus-Davis, Allison Dunnigan, Christopher A Veeh, Matthew Owen Howard, Anna M Scheyett and Amelia Roberts-Lewis
Journal of clinical psychology, Vol.73(10), pp.1226-1246
10/2017
DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22442
PMID: 28170098

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Abstract

Over 50% of released prisoners are reincarcerated within 3 years. Social support from loved ones postincarceration significantly reduces the likelihood of reincarceration. Increasingly, intervention developers aim to implement interventions that will enhance the stability of support available. This study responds to gaps in knowledge. The current efficacy study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial (n = 57) of a social support intervention. A priori power analysis indicated moderate effect sizes could be detected. Participants were men, average age was 25 years, and over 90% were African American. Preliminary effects on social support, cognitions, substance use, and rearrest were assessed. Recruitment and consent occurred in prison; the intervention and 4 follow-ups occurred postrelease. Findings converge with research indicating declines in social support (b = -.70, p < .05) and perceived quality of support (b = .05, p < .01) over time. Age showed inverse relationships with support (b = -1.77, p < .05). There were no statistically significant group effects for social support, cognitions, substance use (with the exception of marijuana), or recidivism. Clinical implications are discussed. This study advances research on intervention dosage, potency, and measurement considerations.
United States Young Adult Pilot Projects Prisoners - psychology Cognitive Therapy - methods Aftercare Humans Social Support Adult Male Treatment Outcome Recidivism - prevention & control

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