Files and links (1)
Hare_Nicholas_2025825.53 kB
PDF Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 30 Apr 2027
Thesis
Strength in connections: the role of social support in the relationship between access to government benefits and food insecurity among individuals with a criminal record
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010880
Abstract
Many individuals with criminal legal histories experience food insecurity. Although government benefits can help reduce poverty and improve overall well-being for those struggling to meet their nutritional needs, some individuals may not be able to access benefits because of their prior criminal legal system involvement. However, few studies have explored how experiencing reduced access to government benefits resulting from a criminal record may uniquely contribute to exacerbating food insecurity among adults with criminal records. Using data from 813 adults pursuing criminal record clearing, I examined the relationship between reported experiences of reduced access to government benefits and food insecurity, as well as whether social support from family and friends might impact this relationship. Results indicated a high rate of food insecurity among those with criminal records. In contrast to hypotheses, there was not a significant relationship between participant-reported barriers to government benefits and food insecurity. Social support from both family and friends was significantly linked with food insecurity but did not moderate the relationship between reduced access to government benefits and food insecurity. Such findings suggest the need for additional research on barriers to benefit access and the role of social support networks in producing positive outcomes for individuals with records.
Metrics
5 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Strength in connections
- Creators
- Nicholas J. Hare
- Contributors
- Naomi E. Goldstein (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iv, 31 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022040868604721