"It's What's on the Inside That Counts": A Pilot Study of the Subjective Changes among Returned Citizens Participating in a Peer-Mentor Support Initiative. Issue 46 (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lopez-Humphreys, Mayra; Teater, Barbra
• Is Part Of: Journal of social service research. Issue 46:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 741
• Page End: 755
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Mentoring -- returned citizens -- formerly incarcerated -- identity -- subjective changes; Social service -- Research -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2019.1656699
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-8376

Abstract

Abstract: Peer mentorship programs with returned citizens (i.e., formally incarcerated) have recently emerged as a model that provides mentees and mentors with opportunities to practice new roles that broaden their self-identity and consequently can also assist with maintaining ongoing, non-recidivating behavior. Yet, few evidence-based models focus directly on supporting the peer mentor's identity change process. This study employed a pretest–posttest evaluation of a pilot six-week training program, the Credible Messengers Institute, designed to support subjective factors that strengthen the self-identity change process among returning citizens ( N = 35) who are mentoring adjudicated youth. Findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in subjective factors, including, self-esteem, level of hope, and elements of self-identity change behaviors (self-knowledge; self-awareness and self-reflection; self-care) from pretest to posttest. The issue of developing the self-identity of returned citizens contributes to a wider discussion on the challenges and recent trends in the development of post-incarceration services and supports. Future research should replicate this pilot study with additional participants and rigorous research methodologies to further substantiate the subjective changes among peer mentors.