Coping wit freedom: A Study of Psychological Stress add Susport in the Prison-to-Parole Transition

By Marc William Renzema

FROM THE ABSTRACT: “ABSTRACT

The anticipation of release from prison and the first months of parole long have been considered as stressful. Yet, past studies of this transition seldom have used the models and methods developed by psychologists and psychiatrists engaged in stress research. Guided by McGrath's (1970) model of the stress process, this dissertation explores the psychological stresses and supports experienced during the anticipation of release from prison and during the first 6 months after release. It also identifies adaptational strategies employed by parolees. This dissertation is based on interviews with a panel of 53 men released into a large metropolitan area from prisons in predominantly rural areas. Interviews were scheduled just prior to release and at 2 to 4 weeks, 3 months. and 6 months after release. Of the 212 interviews attempted, 172 were completed. Dach interview consisted of a focused segment. 22 psychophysiological syaptom questions derived from Langner (1962). and 20 fixed-response questions based on past studies of prison releases. Interviews were recorded and tratscribed. The focused segments were content analyzed for "concern" and "support" themes using categories derived from both past research and a 10% subsample of interview transcripts….”

Albany. NY. State University of New York. Dissertation. 1980. 336p.