Journal of Education & Social Policy

The Impact of Extra-Therapeutic Factors on Recidivism
Jackson de Carvalho, PhD; Donna F. Ossorio, PhD; Tibreshia Jones

Abstract
According to The United States Department of Justice, 83% of state prisoners released in 2005 across 30 states were re-arrested at least once following their release before 2014. Recidivism is a relapse in criminal behavior resulting in re-arrest, conviction, and imprisonment. This study focus on what former offenders have utilized to reintegrate into society and not fall prey to recidivism successfully. Reintegrating offenders into a society that may have changed substantially from when they left is only half the battle—maintenance of individual success depends on each offender's motivation and personal experiences. Implementing improved programs and holistic treatment of inmates within the prison system is critical in successfully deterring re-arrest rates and increasing community safety. This study found that increasingly high recidivism rates result from a lack of effective rehabilitative options during and after imprisonment. Identifying extra-therapeutic factors can inform the development of rehabilitation programs designed to decrease problem behaviors and recidivism.

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