How do correctional residents expect to do when returning to society? The relation between perceived autonomy in prison and self-reliance after release among Dutch incarcerated individuals

Prior research gives reason to suggest that autonomous decision-making during imprisonment supports self-reliance and successful reintegration after release. However, clear empirical evidence supporting this relationship is lacking. This study offers a first attempt to examine this relationship by measuring perceived autonomy restrictions in prison and expected self-reliance upon release in a questionnaire among 98 Dutch incarcerated adults. The results demonstrated a negative relationship between perceived autonomy restrictions and expected self-reliance upon release. Furthermore, individuals enrolled in a program offering more freedom within the prison facility reported weaker autonomy restrictions and higher expectations of self-reliance compared to those in a default program. These findings suggest that incarcerated individuals who reported to feel less restricted in making decisions were more confident in their ability to take care of themselves after release. We discussed these findings in the context of research and practice that address the importance of supporting the ability to make choices during imprisonment in facilitating the process of resocialization.