College in Prison

Abstract

Background: The United States has the highest incarceration rate globally, leaving researchers with a need to understand the causes of this and, most importantly, how to fix our high rates of incarceration and recidivism. College in prison has been offered in many of the country's prisons in an effort to reduce crime rates and recidivism and provide more opportunities for prisoners. However, those who study the impacts of prison will find that re-integration into society can be especially difficult without having skills or a degree. Objective: This study aims to research the effects of prison on people, the impact college in prison has on prisoners and society, and if college in prison reduces the United States' high recidivism rates. Design and Method: This research method is based on peer-reviewed literature consisting of information on the psychological impacts of prison, college in prison, recidivism, and other areas of interest in completing a full understanding of the topic. The literature used ranges in information from 1995 to 2021. The main research questions are: What are the psychological effects of prison? Why is the transition from prison to society upon release difficult? How does college in prison affect prisoners and society? And what is the relationship between correctional education and recidivism? Results: The main findings through this research have been that prison has situational mental effects, commonly as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while maintaining a positive physical impact on prisoners. College in prison is stated to be beneficial in creating more opportunities for prisoners upon release and erecting a more meaningful lifestyle while in prison. Recidivism rates are lowered in the samples that researchers have studied. Still, data for this is on a smaller scale, leaving this study with the result of reduced recidivism rates by correctional education to be suggested and more research to be conducted. Conclusion: This study concluded that college in prison positively impacts prisoners and allows for an easier transition into society upon release. The negative impacts of the prison lifestyle can influence that challenging transition. Still, there is hope for rehabilitation for so many prisoners who want to become educated during their sentence with correctional education. It is proposed that recidivism rates could be significantly lowered if more correctional education is offered and accessible. Keywords: Recidivism, Institutionalization, Reintegration, Crowding