Success Stories of Males Convicted of a Violent Offense

The United States incarceration rate is the highest in the world. Most research involving individuals with criminal involvement history focuses on predictors of recidivism versus factors contributing to success post-release. Post-release successes are important considerations to inform strengths-based approaches to working with this population. In this qualitative study, perspectives of males convicted of a violent offense in the United States who did not recidivate at least three-years-post release from incarceration were explored. Utilizing narrative inquiry, six participants shared their stories of how they avoided returning to a correctional facility. Through narrative analysis, the researchers identified five themes across participant stories: (a) knowledge as power, (b) paychecks after prison, (c) using to belong, (d) connections, and (e) transformational thinking. This study provides a strengths-based perspective when working with formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs). Implications for counselors and counselor educators are provided.