Exploring the experience of posttraumatic growth following imprisonment: a mixed methods systematic review

This systematic review is the first to synthesize and critically evaluate the literature on the experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG) following imprisonment. It was conducted and reported in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Five electronic databases were searched and the JBI meta-aggregate approach to data synthesis was employed. Four synthesized findings were developed from the 10 included studies: PTG following imprisonment is experienced as improved (1) self-perception, (2) relationships, (3) outlook on life, and (4) Facilitators of prison related PTG. Clinical implications call for increased engagement in the factors shown to facilitate PTG in custody.