Colleague 1: Incarcerated Population (1POR)

Gaps in the Life Model:

The life model, while helpful, might not fully capture the specific circumstances of incarcerated individuals. Here are some potential gaps:

• Focus on Early Childhood: The life model often emphasizes the impact of early childhood experiences. Incarcerated individuals may have experienced trauma or disruptions later in life that significantly influence their behavior.
• Limited Agency: The model assumes a degree of agency in making choices throughout life. Incarceration restricts choices and can create a cycle of learned helplessness.
• Focus on Normative Development: The life model might not account for the unique challenges of reintegration after incarceration, such as finding housing, employment, and navigating social stigma.

Alternative Theory: Social Cognitive Theory

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) by Albert Bandura could be a valuable complement to the life model when working with incarcerated individuals. SCT emphasizes:

• Observational Learning: Incarcerated individuals can learn new behaviors by observing positive role models within the prison environment.
• Self-efficacy: SCT focuses on building self-belief in one’s ability to change and succeed. This is crucial for rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Social Learning: SCT highlights the importance of social context. Programs that promote positive social interactions and supportive networks can be beneficial.

By combining the life model’s understanding of developmental experiences with SCT’s focus on learning and social context, we can get a more nuanced picture of factors influencing behavior in incarcerated populations.