Analysis of the Phenomenon of Post-Traumatic Growth in Places of Detention: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implications
Iskandarov R.R. Analysis of the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth in places of detention: theoretical foundations and practical implications. Penitentiary Science, 2026, vol. 20, no. 1 (73), pp. 98–107. doi 10.46741/2686-9764.2026.73.1.012.
the article is devoted to the study of a paradoxical phenomenon of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in convicts manifested in positive psychological transformations despite chronic stress, traumatization and deprivation typical of penitentiary institutions. The relevance of the work is due to high prevalence of mental disorders among prisoners, proven correlation between PTG and reduced recidivism risks and the need to move from an exclusively pathocentric model to rehabilitation focused on growth potential. Methods: the study is based on critical analysis and synthesis of modern scientific data from clinical psychology, neuroscience, criminology and philosophy. An interdisciplinary approach is used to study PTG mechanisms (constructive rumination, existential search for meaning, neuroplasticity), key conditions for its occurrence (the quality of “employee-convict” relations) and practical implementation aspects. Specific methodological and ethical challenges of research in places of deprivation of liberty (PLD) are also considered, including risks of adaptive conformism in the responses of prisoners, influence of neurocognitive deficits and risks of instrumentalization of the concept of PTG. Results: crucial main results include identification of the following PTG mechanisms: adaptive neurobiological changes and cognitive-existential processes (the will to meaning according to V. Frankl, reflection in “borderline situations” according to K. Jaspers). They retain potential even under conditions of penitentiary stress. Key conditions contributing to PTG are the quality of relationships with staff based on empathy and support and the access to psychotherapy, education and prosocial modeling. The practical effect of PTGbased programs (narrative therapy, logotherapy, restorative justice, trauma-informed approach) is manifested in decreased recidivism rates, improved psychological well-being of prisoners and their successful reintegration after release. Discussion: the paper confirms the dialectical nature of PTG in PLD, where suffering and growth can coexist. It is emphasized that PTG is not a direct consequence of imprisonment, but the result of a meaningful response of the individual to extreme circumstances through the implementation of internal freedom of choice. At the same time, the authors warn of serious risks: romanticization of suffering, instrumentalization of PTG by the administration as a means of disciplinary control (“disciplinary power” according to M. Foucault) and blurring the line between genuine transformation and adaptive conformism. For the effective implementation of PTG-based rehabilitation, it is necessary to systemically restructure penitentiary institutions (create a safe, supportive environment), ensure continuous post-penitentiary support, culturally adapt programs and develop strict ethical protocols to prevent abuse. The integration of the PTG concept is considered an important step towards humanization of penitentiary systems.
Keywords: post-traumatic growth; convicts; penitentiary system; adaptation; rehabilitation; resocialization.
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