Date of Conferral

7-2-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Rachel Gallardo

Abstract

The reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society has garnered increasing attention largely due to structural and social barriers that impede their successful transition. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of ex-offenders who successfully obtained gainful employment following their reintegration into society while navigating the enduring consequences of their past convictions. Self-determination, self-efficacy, and implicit theories grounded this study. Ten participants were recruited through social media platforms and flyers on community billboards in a suburban area of Ohio. Data were collected using semistructured in-depth interviews. Narrative coding, according to Saldana, was used to analyze data. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (a) waste of time, (b) not explained well; did not expect it to be as bad, (c) loss of control; take control, (d) did not make a difference, and (e) financial obligations; interview stress. Financial obligations shaped how participants felt about how collateral consequences were unfair if there were court-instilled roadblocks to employment. Findings indicated that ex-offenders did not understand the collateral consequences that were associated with their actions post-incarceration. Criminal justice leaders and policymakers can use these identified strategies to create reentry programs that address diverse circumstances, regional contexts, and the nature of committed offenses with support mechanisms to assist former offenders in regeneration efforts. The implications for positive social change include the potential for criminal justice leaders and policymakers to help shape policies that will allow ex-offenders to reenter society with a fair second chance.

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