Keep the Family Close: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study on Family Support and Successful Re-Entry

Abstract

This hermeneutic phenomenological study examines successful reintegration among formerly incarcerated African American men in a major metropolitan city in North Carolina, with particular attention to positive family support. Guided by social support theory, the study explores the forms of expressive and instrumental support that help individuals navigate reentry and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Research Questions

1. How do formerly incarcerated African American men describe overcoming perceived barriers to successful post-incarceration reintegration?
2. How do men who have not reoffended experience expressive support—such as encouragement, accountability, motivation and emotional support—during reentry?
3. How do men who have not reoffended experience instrumental support—such as housing, employment, transportation and practical assistance—during reentry?

Methodology

The study used a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological design and purposive/criterion sampling. Ten formerly incarcerated African American men participating in a voluntary reentry-services program were interviewed. Data sources included surveys, semi-structured interviews and a reflexive journal, followed by multiple coding cycles and thematic analysis.

Major Findings

Six major themes emerged from the interviews:

• Emotional support as a stabilizing factor
• The importance of housing stability
• Overcoming employment barriers
• Family influence on decision-making and recidivism
• The role of external support systems
• The long-term impact of family support

The findings indicate that emotional encouragement, housing, employment assistance and accountability can all support positive reentry outcomes. They also show that community organizations are essential when family support is limited or when families cannot provide specialized resources.

Implications

Reentry systems should not treat housing, employment, mental health, family relationships and accountability as disconnected problems. The research supports a model in which family and community supports operate together—providing both expressive support for emotional stability and instrumental support for practical reintegration.

Recommended Citation

Shipman, Kerry Lynn. “Keep the Family Close: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study on Family Support and Successful Re-Entry.” Doctoral Dissertations and Projects, 7222, Liberty University, 2025.

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