ABSTRACT
The potentially harmful effects of imprisonment are well documented; however, less attention has been paid to formerly incarcerated people who report experiences of growth associated with their incarceration. This chapter discusses posttraumatic growth (PTG) attributed to the experience of imprisonment. While imprisonment is associated with many possible harmful consequences, there is evidence that these can co-exist with positive experiences. It is discussed how PTG manifests, its likelihood to persist beyond imprisonment, and how it can be explained. Two main mechanisms can be distinguished: cognitive processes that lead to a re-evaluation of one's life, and socio-supportive characteristics of imprisonment that trigger and facilitate a transformation. The chapter ends with reflections on how positive change among incarcerated people may be facilitated.
