Life After: Examining the Relationship Between Sociobehavioral Factors and Mental Health Among African American Ex-Offenders

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mental health problems are 3 times higher among prisoners than the general population. After release, reentry barriers and other factors can exacerbate mental problems. This study of 250 African American ex-offenders examines the relationship between sociobehavioral factors and mental health. Independent variables included self-reported health, alcohol use, employment, and history of mental problems before prison. Covariates included the number of immediate family with mental problems and the number of serious conflicts with family members or friends. Analyses revealed that men who had serious conflicts, used alcohol more often, reported less than excellent health, and not employed were more likely to report being troubled by mental problems. Family mental health history was not statistically significant. The current study adds to the literature by identifying selected factors associated with the mental health of African American male, ex-offenders. Findings from this study can inform interventions to address mental health issues and reduce recidivism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3873-3889
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
Volume62
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2018.

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute on Drug AbuseT32DA035200

    Keywords

    • African American men
    • Black men
    • ex-offenders
    • mental health
    • reentry

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
    • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
    • Applied Psychology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Life After: Examining the Relationship Between Sociobehavioral Factors and Mental Health Among African American Ex-Offenders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this