Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Scott Hershberger

Abstract

Research on offender rehabilitation has primarily focused on providing those who are incarcerated with programs and resources to mitigate the circumstances that would lead to recidivism. There is an absence of research on how the need for belonging could reduce recidivism in probationers. Recidivism remains a social problem for many U.S. communities, as those being released are not properly equipped for their transition. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of probationers regarding their transition into their community, recidivism, and their need for belonging. As individual fulfillment and human motivation were examined, Maslow’s self-actualization theory was used as the conceptual framework. Data were collected from semi structured, one-on-one interviews with 10 previously incarcerated individuals who had been put on probation. The interview data were analyzed and coded to identify themes. The eight themes that emerged were (a) institutionalized living; (b) lack of rehabilitation, programming, and release preparation; (c) needs and desires during reentry; (d) barriers to success; (e) motivation to acquire things after release; (f) feeling alone; (g) family support; and (h) street life. Leaders of correctional facilities and reentry programs could use these findings to develop program blueprints that are conducive for successful reentry and reduce recidivism. These programs could lead to positive social change by enhancing rehabilitative efforts for those being released from incarceration.

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