Enhancing Social Support Postincarceration: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
OBJECTIVE
Over 50% of released prisoners are reincarcerated within 3 years. Social support from loved ones postincarceration significantly reduces the likelihood of reincarceration. Increasingly, intervention developers aim to implement interventions that will enhance the stability of support available. This study responds to gaps in knowledge.


METHODS
The current efficacy study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial (n = 57) of a social support intervention. A priori power analysis indicated moderate effect sizes could be detected. Participants were men, average age was 25 years, and over 90% were African American. Preliminary effects on social support, cognitions, substance use, and rearrest were assessed. Recruitment and consent occurred in prison; the intervention and 4 follow-ups occurred postrelease.


RESULTS
Findings converge with research indicating declines in social support (b = -.70, p < .05) and perceived quality of support (b = .05, p < .01) over time. Age showed inverse relationships with support (b = -1.77, p < .05). There were no statistically significant group effects for social support, cognitions, substance use (with the exception of marijuana), or recidivism. Clinical implications are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study advances research on intervention dosage, potency, and measurement considerations.
Washington University in St. Louis.
Carrie
C
Pettus-Davis
Washington University in St. Louis.
Allison
A
Dunnigan
Washington University in St. Louis.
Christopher A
CA
Veeh
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Matthew Owen
MO
Howard
University of Georgia.
Anna M
AM
Scheyett
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Amelia
A
Roberts-Lewis
D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D000075665:Recidivism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult