First-time and recurrent inmates' experiences of imprisonment

The authors surveyed 267 first-time (n = 102) and recurrent (n = 165) adult male inmates from two medium-security prisons in England. The findings revealed significant differences between the two groups of inmates: A relatively higher proportion of recurrent inmates were enrolled in drug treatment programs; a relatively higher proportion of first-time inmates had given up smoking and drinking, whereas more recurrent inmates had given up drugs; recurrent inmates thought about sex significantly more often, whereas first-time inmates were more concerned about being attacked; and finally, the highest proportion of recurrent inmates cited “improved health” as the best thing about being in prison, compared to the highest proportion of first-time inmates who cited “opportunity for rehabilitation.” Results were partially explained by differences in aspects of prisoners’ lives before prison and their differential exposure to imprisonment, and not by prison security, prison regime, or sentence variables. The findings can inform the development of prison regimes and policies that facilitate adjustment to imprisonment.