Down but Not out: Jail Inmates’ Optimism Predicts Positive Post-Release Adjustment

Little information is available regarding the correlates and consequences of optimism in high-risk populations. Jail inmates’ (n=456) optimism assessed upon incarceration predicted positive outcomes one year post-release, specifically lower recidivism, substance dependence symptoms, and mental health symptoms, and better community adjustment. Perseverance mediated many, although not all, of these relationships.