Social Distance from Previously Convicted Offenders

What is it about?

Upon release from incarceration, offenders face various forms of social distance. The present study explores individual's desires for social distance from violent versus non-violent offenders and investigates whether disclosure of the offender's therapy completion influences this desire for distance. The study also investigates relationships between participants’ desires for social distance and their perceptions of therapy effectiveness with offenders. Overall, respondents reported higher desires for social distance from offenders convicted of violent versus non-violent crimes. Respondents also reported lower desire for social distance when the offenders reported completing therapy, even when their perception of therapy effectiveness was low.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Results of this study have notable implications for forensic treatment development. Results attest to the value of preparing incarcerated offenders with an accurate expectation of levels and patterns of stigma to be faced upon release and also speak to the value of disclosing treatment completion, especially in the context of healthy interpersonal relationship development and maintenance.