Carceral resilience: Predicting posttraumatic growth for people who are incarcerated

To date, much of the research in criminology and criminal justice maintains a focus on risk. Far less attention is given to the potential for and prediction of resilience among those who are justice-involved. This study explored the connection between strength-based factors and carceral resilience rooted in the resilience portfolio model (Hamby et al., 2018).

The sample included 309 incarcerated individuals from three correctional facilities in Northeast Florida, with data collected through self-report measures and analyzed using random-effects panel regression models. Participants were either enrolled in a 6-week trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness program or assigned to a waitlist control group.

Psychosocial strengths were key correlates of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among incarcerated individuals. Prayer, self-compassion, emotional awareness, and anger management were positively associated with PTG. Sleep quality emerged as a consistent correlate of PTG. Within this context, participation in a trauma-informed embodied mindfulness program was associated with higher PTG over time.

The findings support the application of the resilience portfolio model in carceral contexts and highlight the potential of embodied, trauma-informed interventions to foster resilience. Implications include the need for holistic, strength-based programming in correctional settings and further exploration of embodied resilience. This research contributes to a growing body of literature emphasizing the capacity for healing among justice-involved populations. Understanding PTG in carceral settings can inform successful reentry and reintegration, as well as support prevention strategies and alternatives to incarceration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).