The Revolving Prison Door: A Retrospective Examination of the Relationship between Mental Health and Recidivism Among Incarcerated Women in the Deep South

Background and Purpose: According to Feminist Pathways Theory (FPT), the pathway to incarceration for women differs greatly than that of men; women often have higher rates of past traumas and substance use issues directly related to mental health disorders and trauma histories. In comparison to men, women report significantly higher rates of mental health problems, psychological distress, as well as an overall greater severity in symptomology which make successful re-entry for women often unattainable. Within the Deep South, these challenges are further exacerbated due to multiple widespread systemic issues. Although understudied, prior research of these intersecting concerns have historically examined recidivism as a future construct, often leading to attrition and potentially unreliable outcomes. This study examines recidivism retrospectively to expand the knowledge base surrounding the re-entry risks and needs of women as well as the unique challenges associated with re-entry within the Deep South context.

Methods: Guided by FPT, this secondary quantitative study analyzed survey data from the Women’s Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) Validation Study in the state of Alabama. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between mental health and recidivism while controlling for other known factors commonly associated with criminal justice involvement among women.

Results: Within the study sample (n=493), most participants (77.6%) self-identified as White (n=384). 22.4% self-identified as BIMPOC (Black Indigenous Multiracial Peoples of Color) (n=111). Participants ranged in age from 19-64. Data analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between history of substance use and prior incarceration (p<.001) indicating that individuals with substance use histories had a greater likelihood of prior incarceration. Findings showed a significant positive relationship between race (p<.001) and age (p<.001) indicating BIMPOC and older individuals had a greater likelihood of prior incarceration. Conversely, each of the stepwise models remained consistent in that no significant relationship was found between prior incarceration and mental health, trauma exposure, or poverty as suggested by FPT.

Conclusions and Implications: This research seeks to identify and promote strategies for smart decarceration, one of the most pressing Social Work Grand Challenges, among justice-involved women by examining the complex individual- and system-level factors associated with justice system involvement and re-entry within the Deep South. Findings from this study aim to inform future research efforts and the usefulness of the retrospective recidivism measurement approach which can aid in reducing recidivism by providing focus on un/understudied issues that often lead to re-incarceration. This research also has the potential to be of practical relevance to justice system professionals (i.e., judges, attorneys, parole/probation boards) as the retrospective measurement approach provides an in-depth history of all previous incarceration stays, emerging patterns of criminal behavior, and any unknown associated challenges women face. Having these data available allows justice system professionals to make more informed decisions when assessing for risk of future re-offending and determining appropriate next steps to take for each individual.