The effect of prison visitation on reentry success: A meta-analysis. (December 2016)
- Record Type:
- Journal Article
- Title:
- The effect of prison visitation on reentry success: A meta-analysis. (December 2016)
- Main Title:
- The effect of prison visitation on reentry success: A meta-analysis
- Authors:
- Mitchell, Meghan M.
Spooner, Kallee
Jia, Di
Zhang, Yan - Abstract:
- Abstract: Purpose: High rates of recidivism among released prisoners have prompted policymakers and practitioners to explore novel solutions. Although visitation has been a facet of routine prison operations for decades, studies of this policy have produced mixed results. Therefore, this article systematically evaluates the effect of prison visits on recidivism. Methods: Relying on meta-analysis techniques put forth by the Campbell Collaboration, 16 studies were assessed to determine the overall mean effect of visitation on recidivism and important moderator effects on this relationship. Results: Experiencing visitation resulted in a 26% decrease in recidivism. This effect was largest for male samples (53% reduction), those who had experienced conjugal and furlough visits (36% decline), and when using multiple measures of recidivism (56% decrease). Finally, the effect of visitation was strongest (53% decrease) for limited follow-up periods (≤ 1 year). Conclusions: Overall, results indicate that prison visitation generates modest reductions in post-release offending, which is moderated by gender, visitation type, time at risk, and recidivism measures. In light of these findings, policy implications are put forth to make visitation more accessible to all inmates. Highlights: Meta-analyses demonstrate that visitation has a 26% reduction on recidivism. Visitation reduces post-release convictions and reincarceration, but has no effect on arrest. The effect of visitation onAbstract: Purpose: High rates of recidivism among released prisoners have prompted policymakers and practitioners to explore novel solutions. Although visitation has been a facet of routine prison operations for decades, studies of this policy have produced mixed results. Therefore, this article systematically evaluates the effect of prison visits on recidivism. Methods: Relying on meta-analysis techniques put forth by the Campbell Collaboration, 16 studies were assessed to determine the overall mean effect of visitation on recidivism and important moderator effects on this relationship. Results: Experiencing visitation resulted in a 26% decrease in recidivism. This effect was largest for male samples (53% reduction), those who had experienced conjugal and furlough visits (36% decline), and when using multiple measures of recidivism (56% decrease). Finally, the effect of visitation was strongest (53% decrease) for limited follow-up periods (≤ 1 year). Conclusions: Overall, results indicate that prison visitation generates modest reductions in post-release offending, which is moderated by gender, visitation type, time at risk, and recidivism measures. In light of these findings, policy implications are put forth to make visitation more accessible to all inmates. Highlights: Meta-analyses demonstrate that visitation has a 26% reduction on recidivism. Visitation reduces post-release convictions and reincarceration, but has no effect on arrest. The effect of visitation on reduced recidivism may weaken after numerous years. The influence of visitation on recidivism varies by gender. … (more)
- Is Part Of:
- Journal of criminal justice. Volume 47(2016)
- Journal:
- Journal of criminal justice
- Issue:
- Volume 47(2016)
- Issue Display:
- Volume 47, Issue 2016 (2016)
- Year:
- 2016
- Volume:
- 47
- Issue:
- 2016
- Issue Sort Value:
- 2016-0047-2016-0000
- Page Start:
- 74
- Page End:
- 83
- Publication Date:
- 2016-12
- Subjects:
- Meta-analysis -- Prison visitation -- Recidivism -- Social bonds
Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals
Justice pénale -- Administration -- Périodiques
364.05 - Journal URLs:
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00472352 ↗
http://www.elsevier.com/journals ↗ - DOI:
- 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2016.07.006 ↗
- Languages:
- English
- ISSNs:
- 0047-2352
- Deposit Type:
- Legaldeposit
- View Content:
- Available online (eLD content is only available in our Reading Rooms) ↗
- Physical Locations:
- British Library DSC - 4965.530000
British Library DSC - BLDSS-3PM
British Library HMNTS - ELD Digital store - Ingest File:
- 21611.xml