’Moving On’ to A New Life: An Exploration of a Reentry Program’s Influence on Self-Efficacy in Incarcerated Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine treatment results for incarcerated women in a southern-US women’s prison system who have participated in Moving On: A Program for At-Risk Women (MO). Research indicates that coping skills, supportive relationships, and job-search skills are the three most important skillsets for reentry into society (LaCourse et al., 2019; Mancini et al., 2016; Van Dieten, 2010; Varghese et al., 2018). As correctional systems continue to adopt programming focused on gender responsive care, such evidence suggests a need to more closely examine the effectiveness of these programs on building coping skills, social support skills, and job-search skills among incarcerated women. Further, research suggests that having the confidence in one’s ability to utilize certain skillsets may be even more important than the gaining of the skillsets themselves (Varghese et al., 2018). This study focuses on the implementation of MO and its effectiveness in building confidence in coping skills, social support skills, and job-search skills. This study adds and extends literature pertaining to the acquisition of coping skills, social support skills, and job-search skills, as well as self-efficacy in using these skills. Results have implications for correctional systems and supportive programs that prepare mental health and rehabilitation counseling professionals working in correctional facilities or with inmates.