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Abstract

Loneliness is a pervasive social problem and is experienced universally. It contributes to criminality and recidivism. The present study examined the influence of incarceration on coping with loneliness. Beyond the aim of gaining more insight into how offenders handle loneliness in jail, this study explores how marital status affects the chosen coping strategies (especially if the marriage has been terminated). The experiences of chronic and situational or event-related loneliness are also compared as to their effect on coping. Finally, the study is an investigation of the social stigma of loneliness, which results in people's refusal to admit it. As a result, when research is done, individuals usually report their recall of past loneliness. The present study presents a comparison of whether the salient coping strategies of offenders differ when they are recalled or when they are being experienced at the time of reporting.

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Loneliness in Jail: Coping Strategies

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