Incarcerated for a Sex Offense: In-Prison Experiences and Concerns about Reentry

Using a sample of 3,041 incarcerated men and women, this study examines the impact of being incarcerated for a sex offense and individuals’ in-prison experiences on their concerns about reentry into society. Bivariate analyses suggest that being incarcerated for a sex offense is related to greater concerns about housing and fewer concerns about recidivism compared with individuals incarcerated for nonsex offenses. A sex offense conviction is also associated with weaker social bonds, greater relational difficulties, and greater fear of victimization while incarcerated. Multiple regression models indicate that, after controlling for in-prison experiences, being incarcerated for a sex offense increases reentry concerns related to employment and housing, though may reduce them for recidivism. In-prison experiences mediate the relationship between being incarcerated for a sex offense and reentry concerns. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.