The Effect of Stigma on Criminal Offenders’ Functioning: A Longitudinal Mediational Model

Abstract

Research has rarely considered criminal offenders' psychological responses to stigma, but these responses may significantly influence behavior after release from jail/prison. Jail inmates' perceived and anticipated stigma was assessed prior to release from jail/prison (<i>N</i> = 163), and outcomes were assessed one year post-release (<i>N</i> = 371). We hypothesized that perceived stigma would predict poor adjustment in several domains (i.e. recidivism, substance dependence, mental health symptoms, community adjustment) <i>through</i> anticipated stigma. Results showed that perceived stigma predicted worse community adjustment through anticipated stigma, and this varied by race. Results are explored from an interdisciplinary perspective.