This study conducted propensity score matching analyses to examine whether inmate visitation of various types and in varying amounts, or “doses,” reduced recidivism among a cohort of released prisoners.
Scholars and policymakers have called for greater attention to understanding the causes of and solutions to improved prisoner reentry outcomes, resulting in renewed attention to a factor—prison visitation—long believed to reduce recidivism; however, despite the theoretical arguments advanced on its behalf and increased calls for evidence-based policy, there is little credible empirical research on whether a beneficial relationship exists between inmate visitation and recidivism. The analyses suggest that inmate visitation has a small to modest effect in reducing recidivism of all types, especially property offending, and that the effects may be most pronounced for spouse or significant other visitation. The article discusses the implications of these findings for research and policy. (publisher abstract modified)