Positive Growth and Redemption in Prison

<p>Although the negative consequences of rising incarceration rates have been well-established criminological research has largely neglected to document psychological social and behavioral changes that occur during periods of incarceration. Drawing on an original longitudinal study of long-term French prisoners this book examines the process of desistance from crime and positive growth in prison. It offers reflections on how personal transformation can be achieved in prison particularly among individuals serving long prison sentences. </p><p>This research investigates the barriers to achieving positive growth in prison as well as the different ways in which transformation can occur behind bars. It also conceptualizes the process of abandoning crime in prison and sheds light on the cognitive social and structural factors that may trigger accelerate or hamper this process. This book explores the circumstances under which individuals can thrive in prison and identifies key features of the narratives of prisoners who have achieved positive growth. The research presented in this book also examines the intricacies of returning to society after a lengthy period of time in prison.</p><p>Written in a clear and accessible style this book will be invaluable reading for those engaged in studies of criminology and criminal justice sociology criminal behavior prisons and penology. It is also aimed at a variety of audiences including academics practitioners policy-makers and prisoners.</p>