Resilience, Quality of Life, and Discrimination among Individuals with a Criminal Record

Abstract

Individuals with a criminal record experience multiple forms of discrimination. These experiences limit opportunities to improve their quality of life. Prior literature has found that resilience acts as a buffer against the negative effects of discrimination on quality of life. This finding, however, promotes resilience-building interventions rather than addressing the root issue of discrimination. The current study proposes an alternative conceptualization that places discrimination as the moderator between resilience and quality of life; and thus, the target for intervention. Results confirmed a positive association between resilience and quality of life; however, the moderation was not significant. Analyses also found that the sample had an average level of resilience, yet a below average quality of life score compared to healthy populations. The value and implications of both significant and insignificant results are discussed within the framework of structural oppression. Results support the need for larger longitudinal studies and a call-to-action.