Visits as a Catalyst for Prison Program Engagement

Abstract

Evidence suggests that visits act as a mechanism to restrain antisocial behavior within prison settings. However, evidence that visits may promote prosocial behavior, such as program engagement, is less prevalent. Using a random sample of incarcerated men, the current study uses multilevel logistic regression models to determine whether the presence and quality of visits during a period of program enrollment is associated with an increase in the odds of completing the enrollment period. Results suggest that experiencing a visit during enrollment, especially when visits involve multiple persons, increases the likelihood of completing the enrollment period. These results hold even when accounting for prior visitation experiences. Implications of these findings support widening the availability of visit opportunities and modalities.