Wounded healers: How formerly incarcerated women help themselves by helping others. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heidemann, Gretchen; Cederbaum, Julie A; Martinez, Sidney; LeBel, Thomas P
• Is Part Of: Punishment & society. Volume 18:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: formerly incarcerated women -- mixed-methods research -- prisoner reentry -- self-esteem -- social support -- wounded healers; Punishment -- Periodicals; Punishment -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Crime -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; 364.605
• DOI: 10.1177/1462474515623101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-4745

Abstract

This mixed methods study explores the role that being a helper/wounded healer has for formerly incarcerated women. Regression analyses examining the influence of a helper/wounded healer orientation on self-esteem and social support are triangulated with in-depth responses to probes regarding the benefits of helping others among a purposive sample of previously incarcerated women. Results reveal that helping others benefits the helper by boosting self-esteem, increasing prosocial activity, and enhancing social connectedness. The culture of "giving back" and being of service to others who are less far along in the recovery/reintegration process is discussed. Implications for policy and practice are offered.