Social disadvantage, strain, clinical profile and readiness for release in Canadian inmates

Abstract Purpose Readiness for release is a multidimensional construct with direct implications for parole decisions and discharge planning, yet its social and clinical determinants remain poorly understood. This study examined configurations of antecedent disadvantage and current clinical features associated with perceived release readiness among inmates in Ontario provincial institutions. Methods Data from 340 inmates were analysed using coincidence analysis (CNA) to identify minimally sufficient or necessary conditions associated with low versus high perceived readiness. A small subgroup expressing low interest in release was examined descriptively. Results Two equifinal pathways characterized low readiness. Both required a violent criminal history combined with either lifetime psychiatric admissions or current institutional behaviour problems. Overall model fit was modest, indicating substantial heterogeneity in low readiness. High readiness was represented by a more parsimonious solution involving the absence of a violent criminal history, reported family dysfunction and a configuration combining no psychiatric history with current behaviour problems. The reluctant subgroup exhibited two descriptive patterns: (a) major mental disorder accompanied by extensive stressors or (b) multiple psychiatric hospitalizations accompanied by treatment use and no family dysfunction. Conclusions A history of violence may operate as a gating factor that structures inmates’ perceptions of release readiness in combination with psychiatric and institutional characteristics. The findings demonstrate the value of configurational analysis for integrating social and clinical factors when assessing suitability for release. The modest fit for low readiness and the small size of the reluctant subgroup nevertheless indicate a need for cautious interpretation and further validation.