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Abstract

This study explores the repercussions of community supervision on justice-involved women on probation, utilizing Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory (1954) as an organizational framework to analyze the impact of these challenges. This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine the results and organize the discussion around the dimensions of impact experienced by these women. The study reveals that the impact of offending on participants is multifaceted, encompassing various dimensions with reciprocal relationships, and outlining diverse levels of human motivational needs. The analysis identifies superordinate thematic categories, illustrating the impact on essential, occupational, relational, and developmental levels. These categories align with Maslow's physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs, respectively, and propose practice-based implications for helpers and mental health professionals working with this population. In conclusion, the experience of offending and probation has a complex impact in the lives of women, requiring a multifaceted recovery process that addresses diverse challenges across various needs.

Plain Language Summary

How Probation Affects Women’s Lives: A Study of Their Experiences

This study looks at how being on probation affects women and their everyday lives. We used Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to help us understand the different ways these challenges impact them. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we examined the women’s experiences and organized the findings based on the kinds of effects they described. We found that the impact of their offenses and probation is complex and affects many parts of their lives. These effects show up in several areas, including basic needs, work and daily responsibilities, relationships, and personal growth. These areas match Maslow’s levels of human needs, like physical needs, safety, belonging, self-esteem, and reaching one’s potential. The findings also suggest practical ways that helpers and mental health professionals can better support women on probation. In short, being involved in the justice system has a complicated and far-reaching influence on women’s lives, and recovery requires addressing many different needs at the same time.

Keywords

justice-involved women interpretative phenomenological analysis Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

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Hierarchy of Impact in Justice-Involved Women: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

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