Veterans’ lived experiences with transitioning from prison: an evaluation of goals and barriers to success after incarceration

J Soc Distress Homeless. 2026 Mar 26. doi: 10.1080/10530789.2026.2649336. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Veterans transitioning from prison are at risk for numerous negative psychosocial outcomes, such as death from drug overdose and suicide, homelessness, unemployment, and reincarceration. There is an identified gap in understanding the lived experiences of these veterans, including their goals and the barriers and facilitators of reaching these goals. Fifty-four veterans recently released from prison (within three years for men and within five years for women) were interviewed to assess their lived experiences, goals, and needs reentering the community post-incarceration. We identified six transition-related goals: attaining housing, gaining employment, accessing mental health and medical care, maintaining sobriety, improving relationships, and avoiding reincarceration. We also identified eight drivers that shaped movement toward or away from these goals. These drivers captured the interpretive, emotional, and behavioral processes, formed through military service and incarceration, that influenced how veterans assessed situations, regulated stress, engaged with relationships, and responded to challenges during reentry. Attending to both the goals veterans hold and the interpretive frameworks that guide how they navigate reentry provides a more complete understanding of veteran transition experiences.

PMID:42220549 | PMC:PMC13220896 | DOI:10.1080/10530789.2026.2649336