I honestly believe (after experiencing post-release stress with my husband who was in prison for over 13 years) the following applies to recently released inmates. The length of time they spent inside along with other factors like education, upbringing, mental health, addictions etc. can either intensify the phases, prolong them or shorten them. After all, prison is a culture like no other right?
The shock (of moving to a foreign country) often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and not everyone is in the new culture long enough to pass through all three[1]:
Honeymoon Phase - During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits, the buildings and so on.
Negotiation Phase - After some time (usually weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one's native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, disgusting, and irritating etc. This phase is often marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. Depression is not uncommon.
Adjustment Phase - Again, after some time (usually 6 – 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more "normal".
Reverse Culture Shock (a.k.a. Re-entry Shock) - Returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above. The affected person often finds this more surprising and difficult to deal with than the original culture shock.
There are three basic outcomes of the Adjustment Phase:
Some people find it impossible to accept the foreign culture and integrate. They isolate themselves from the host country's environment, which they come to perceive as hostile, withdraw into a ghetto and see return to their own culture as the only way out. These Rejectors also have the greatest problems re-integrating back home after return. Approx. 60% of expatriates behave in this way.
Some people integrate fully and take on all parts of the host culture while losing their original identity. They normally remain in the host country forever. Approx. 10% of expatriates belong to this group of Adopters.
Some people manage to adapt the aspects of the host culture they see as positive, while keeping some of their own and creating their unique blend. They have no major problems returning home or relocating elsewhere. Approx. 30% of expatriates are these so-called Cosmopolitans.
Last post
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
I'd say you hit it dead on -- Going from Prison to home probably DOES feel like moving to a foriegn land. I remember a friend of mine who was recently released would wake up screaming in the night. Beacause he had to much space in his room....always felt like he was gonna fall off the bed. He would come to my house and sleep on my recliner couch because it had a "closer space" feel to him. It has to be strange to go from a microtized living enviroment that is regulated to a open world. Jerry would complain of being cold all the time. He'd spent so much time in a tempature controlled space that he had a hard time adjusting to being outside.