Abstract
This dissertation investigates the connection between mental illness and prisoner recidivism in California and Los Angeles County. As the literature review discloses, there are various theories that claim to explain why mentally impaired offenders are reincarcerated for breaking the law after they are released. This dissertation presents five research questions based on the literature review and theoretical framework and collected survey and interview data from a sample of 30, self-reported, mentally impaired ex-offenders. The research questions and theoretical framework is intended to provide the reader with an assessment of the viewpoints of the mentally impaired survey participants regarding the connection between mental impairment and prisoner recidivism. The analysis for this dissertation is collectively based on the self-perspectives and perceptions of the mentally impaired survey participants, the principal investigator, and a licensed clinical psychologist who volunteered to participate in this study. The answers to the survey questions and interviews by the mentally impaired survey participants confirm there is a connection between mental illness and prisoner recidivism. The answers to the survey questions and interviews also confirm a significant level of abuse by correctional officers, feelings expressed about pre-release programs, and positive and negative opinions about community-based treatment services and programs.
The information collected from the survey questions and interviews are designed to clarify the mentally impaired survey participants perspectives and experiences during their incarceration, the rehabilitation services they received when they are approaching their release date, and the effectiveness of the community-based programs offered when they return to society. A mixed method research design is implemented to combine the quantitative and qualitative data associated with this dissertation. The information collected will be used to evaluate the current policies and procedures in the criminal justice system in California and Los Angeles County and to help guide formulation of modifications when it is deemed necessary. Criminal justice legislators and administrators in California and Los Angeles County have provided the essential rehabilitation services for mentally impaired offenders during their incarceration and the community-based services and programs for mentally impaired offenders when they return to society. The final chapter presents a program model comprised of an Individual Intervention Plan to address the needs of mentally impaired ex-offenders when they return to society.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Imprisonment; Recidivism; Male prisoners--Mental health
Date of Award
2024
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Eric Hamilton
Recommended Citation
Stinson, Sammie L., "The connection between mental illness and prisoner recidivism: a study of the self-perceptions and perspectives of mentally impaired low-level non-violent male exoffenders" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1449.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1449