Beyond the walls : exploring the process of reintegration among parolees in light of their experience of incarceration

Abstract

This research explores the psychological experience of incarceration and the impact of internal psychological changes resulting from imprisonment on reintegration, as experienced experienced by eight individuals currently serving parole. This study also explores how the participants mitigated these adaptations during their reintegration process. Qualitative data attained from in-depth interviews were analysed using a Grounded Theory Approach (Corbin & Strauss; Charmaz, 2006). The influence of the process of institutionalisation, involving the authoritarian regime and the psychological effects of idleness were explored. The social and psychological changes resulting from these negative experience were also studied. Their impact on the reintegration process through domains of relationships, employment and leisure was investigated. Finally, the psychological mechanisms within these domains, mitigating the internal adaptations were also examined. A psychological analysis of the data and the main findings are presented in the discussion chapter. The concluding chapter presents clinical implications for practice, recommendations for policy and future research suggestions.