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Papers by Jennifer Cobbina
Sociological Inquiry, 2011
Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic margin... more Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic marginalization, substance addiction, and interpersonal networks are common reasons women enter the trade. However, we know less about the role that age of onset plays in shaping female pathways into prostitution. Here, we build from insights into previous research by analyzing not only entry pathways but also how age categories are linked to time spent in the trade and whether the length of time in prostitution exacts a greater ‘‘toll’’ on women. Drawing from the feminist and age of onset literatures, we analyze 40 in-depth interviews with female street prostitutes from five U.S. cities. Our results underscore the importance of age as an organizing feature of women’s pathways into prostitution and the potential associated consequences of working in this trade.
Nursing Administration Quarterly , 2017
Inequalities in society, culture, and finance have resulted in civil unrest, rioting, and intenti... more Inequalities in society, culture, and finance have resulted in civil unrest, rioting, and intentional violence throughout our history. Nowhere is this currently more apparent than in the cities of Ferguson and Baltimore. It is not the civil unrest itself, but the resulting rioting and intentional violence that can create a disaster situation. This increases the care burden of health care providers during times when the governmental structure may be overwhelmed or functioning in a less than optimal manner. Beginning with the death of Michael Brown, civil unrest over the last 2 years has necessitated a closer examination of the role nurse leaders play in preparing their staff and facilities for potential results of this civil unrest. The similarities between the results of rioting and violence and natural disaster are obvious, but the differences are significant. Without adequate preparation, providers may not offer the appropriate response. Attention to the 10 “musts” for preparedness for civil unrest will facilitate a planning process and provide for a better response and recovery when communities face these issues.
Journal of Applied Communication Research, 2016
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 01639625 2012 748621, Feb 25, 2013
ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, ab... more ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, about the situational processes and context that shape the nature and outcome of attacks. In addition, limited research has examined the use of resistance strategies among female offenders. This article draws from a qualitative study of violence in the lives of female offenders to examine the situational context of assault outcomes and its relationship to their resistance strategies. Specifically, this study investigates how women's accounts of resistance to both physical and sexual assaults by an intimate partner, acquaintance, or stranger unfold across time. Results highlight the importance of examining the situational context of violence and resistance to further enrich our understanding of these phenomena.
Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success afte... more Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success after release and believe they will be less likely to reoffend than other prisoners. Moreover, studies suggest that optimism shapes desistance. This raises the interesting question of how and why female inmates maintain an optimistic outlook about their postrelease. The current study uses in-depth interviews with 26
International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology, Jan 31, 2015
The mass increase in imprisonment of the last two decades has led to an increasing number of adul... more The mass increase in imprisonment of the last two decades has led to an increasing number of adults released from prison. Scholarly accounts of prisoner reentry have demonstrated that incarcerated individuals face barriers on release from prison and that intervention programs are necessary to assist their transition to the community. Here, we build from the insights of previous research by examining how high-risk offenders perceive a reentry program. Using a qualitative approach, our findings suggest that procedural and substantive justice affect their satisfaction and involvement with the program. This study highlights the importance of providing employment opportunities, social support, and fair and respectful delivery of services to assist incarcerated individuals transitioning to the community.
Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2014
ABSTRACT Although prior research revealed that in noncorrectional and correctional settings, staf... more ABSTRACT Although prior research revealed that in noncorrectional and correctional settings, staff relationship style affects client outcomes, there has been little study of this effect for women offenders. The present study investigated effects of two dimensions of relationship style (probation or parole agent-reported supportiveness and punitiveness) on female clients’ reports of responding to interactions with their agents with anxiety, reactance, and a sense of self-efficacy to avoid a criminal lifestyle. Results of a longitudinal study of 330 women on probation or parole revealed that agent supportiveness elicited lower anxiety and reactance and higher crime-avoidance self-efficacy. Agent punitiveness elicited greater anxiety and crime-avoidance self-efficacy. Moderation effect analysis showed that punitive style was most related to anxiety and reactance for women at lowest risk for reoffending. In contrast, supportiveness was most related to positive outcomes for the highest risk women. The research findings suggest areas for future theory development and approaches to effective correctional practice.
Race and Justice, 2014
Research suggests that individuals on probation and parole typically reside in impoverished neigh... more Research suggests that individuals on probation and parole typically reside in impoverished neighborhoods affected by multiple forms of socioeconomic disadvantage. These neighborhoods are often extremely segregated, resulting in the concentration of deleterious effects, including crime, on communities of color, especially African Americans. We build on previous research by examining how Black and White female offenders negotiate neighborhood crime in distressed communities. Using a mixedmethods approach, our findings suggest that perceptions of neighborhood safety, crime, and strategies to avoid offending are different for Black and White women and related to neighborhood context. We propose that future research should investigate longterm outcomes of the use of particular strategies to address neighborhood crime.
Sociological Inquiry, 2011
Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic margi... more Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic marginalization, substance addiction, and interpersonal networks are common reasons women enter the trade. However, we know less about the role that age of onset plays in shaping female pathways into prostitution. Here, we build from insights into previous research by analyzing not only entry pathways but also how age categories are linked to time spent in the trade and whether the length of time in prostitution exacts a greater ''toll'' on women. Drawing from the feminist and age of onset literatures, we analyze 40 in-depth interviews with female street prostitutes from five U.S. cities. Our results underscore the importance of age as an organizing feature of women's pathways into prostitution and the potential associated consequences of working in this trade.
Security Journal, 2013
ABSTRACT A body of research has examined the nature of security work, legislative efforts and tra... more ABSTRACT A body of research has examined the nature of security work, legislative efforts and training requirements. Fewer studies, however, have explored security officers’ perceptions of the training they received to perform their duties effectively. Although effort has been made to explore how useful the extant of training regime is for security officers in Canada (Manzo, 2009), it is unclear whether such views would hold among security officers in the United States, as both countries have minimal standard requirements regarding training. Building from Manzo’s (2009) research, we use in-depth interviews with 19 US security officers to explore security officers’ perceptions of training and what, if any, additional training security officers perceive that they need to perform their job effectively. Similar to Manzo’s work, we found that some of the officers improvise the needs and demands of their jobs with experiences drawn from prior employment; however, unlike Manzo’s study, security officers perceived a lack of adequate training to perform their tasks effectively and strongly endorsed the importance of and need for systematic and standardized training. Security Journal advance online publication, 23 September 2013; doi:10.1057/sj.2013.34
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 2010
Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success afte... more Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success after release and believe they will be less likely to reoffend than other prisoners. Moreover, studies suggest that optimism shapes desistance. This raises the interesting question of how and why female inmates maintain an optimistic outlook about their postrelease. The current study uses in-depth interviews with 26 incarcerated women to assess inductively their perceptions of life after prison and the self-enhancing schemas they draw from in this process. Results highlight the utility of examining incarcerated women's outlook about their future and have import for policy.
Journal of Criminal Justice, 2013
Deviant Behavior, 2013
ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, ab... more ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, about the situational processes and context that shape the nature and outcome of attacks. In addition, limited research has examined the use of resistance strategies among female offenders. This article draws from a qualitative study of violence in the lives of female offenders to examine the situational context of assault outcomes and its relationship to their resistance strategies. Specifically, this study investigates how women's accounts of resistance to both physical and sexual assaults by an intimate partner, acquaintance, or stranger unfold across time. Results highlight the importance of examining the situational context of violence and resistance to further enrich our understanding of these phenomena.
Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success afte... more Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success after release and believe they will be less likely to reoffend than other prisoners. Moreover, studies suggest that optimism shapes desistance. This raises the interesting question of how and why female inmates maintain an optimistic outlook about their postrelease. The current study uses in-depth interviews with 26
Research demonstrates that race is commonly associated with perceptions of crime and thus, crime ... more Research demonstrates that race is commonly associated with perceptions of crime and thus, crime committed by people of color is often overestimated by the public, particularly white Americans. Studies also find that race is a predictor of citizens’ attitudes towards and experiences with the police. However, studies have not yet explored if and how minorities associate crime with people of color. Drawing from interviews with 81 men and women, this study explores the extent to which protesters from Ferguson, Missouri racially typify crime and their perceptions of how the police view and treat people who are black compared to people who are white. Results revealed that most respondents did not associate people of color with crime but believed that the police did. Additionally, the negative perceptions participants believed police to have were connected with broader social inequalities. Findings from this study reinforce the importance of police legitimacy.
Deviant Behavior, Jan 1, 2010
... Gang Fights versus Cat Fights: Urban Young Men's Gendered Narratives of Violence. ..... more ... Gang Fights versus Cat Fights: Urban Young Men's Gendered Narratives of Violence. ... safety in dangerous communities by establishing a violent social identity, noting as well that such identities provide them with respect and status among their peers (Brunson and Stewart 20064 ...
Criminal Justice Review, Jan 1, 2008
The prevalence of drug use among probationers, and the entire offender population, has been well ... more The prevalence of drug use among probationers, and the entire offender population, has been well documented. Numerous drug treatment modalities have been shown to reduce recidivism among this population; however, analyses of programmatic success are often based on a subset of offenders who complete treatment. Less is known about individuals who fail to complete treatment. The goal of the current study is to consider the interaction of drug use, drug treatment provision, and treatment completion on recidivism using data from the 2000 Illinois Probation Outcome Study. Findings from a series of proportional hazard models indicate that probationers who failed to complete treatment were more likely to be rearrested in the four years following discharge from probation, even when compared to individuals who needed treatment but did not enroll. Moreover, probationers who failed to complete treatment had more serious criminal histories and fewer ties to society. The research has important implications for the measurement of treatment provision in studies of recidivism, in specific, and more generally for the need to engage and retain probationers in drug treatment.
Sociological Inquiry, 2011
Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic margin... more Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic marginalization, substance addiction, and interpersonal networks are common reasons women enter the trade. However, we know less about the role that age of onset plays in shaping female pathways into prostitution. Here, we build from insights into previous research by analyzing not only entry pathways but also how age categories are linked to time spent in the trade and whether the length of time in prostitution exacts a greater ‘‘toll’’ on women. Drawing from the feminist and age of onset literatures, we analyze 40 in-depth interviews with female street prostitutes from five U.S. cities. Our results underscore the importance of age as an organizing feature of women’s pathways into prostitution and the potential associated consequences of working in this trade.
Nursing Administration Quarterly , 2017
Inequalities in society, culture, and finance have resulted in civil unrest, rioting, and intenti... more Inequalities in society, culture, and finance have resulted in civil unrest, rioting, and intentional violence throughout our history. Nowhere is this currently more apparent than in the cities of Ferguson and Baltimore. It is not the civil unrest itself, but the resulting rioting and intentional violence that can create a disaster situation. This increases the care burden of health care providers during times when the governmental structure may be overwhelmed or functioning in a less than optimal manner. Beginning with the death of Michael Brown, civil unrest over the last 2 years has necessitated a closer examination of the role nurse leaders play in preparing their staff and facilities for potential results of this civil unrest. The similarities between the results of rioting and violence and natural disaster are obvious, but the differences are significant. Without adequate preparation, providers may not offer the appropriate response. Attention to the 10 “musts” for preparedness for civil unrest will facilitate a planning process and provide for a better response and recovery when communities face these issues.
Journal of Applied Communication Research, 2016
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 01639625 2012 748621, Feb 25, 2013
ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, ab... more ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, about the situational processes and context that shape the nature and outcome of attacks. In addition, limited research has examined the use of resistance strategies among female offenders. This article draws from a qualitative study of violence in the lives of female offenders to examine the situational context of assault outcomes and its relationship to their resistance strategies. Specifically, this study investigates how women's accounts of resistance to both physical and sexual assaults by an intimate partner, acquaintance, or stranger unfold across time. Results highlight the importance of examining the situational context of violence and resistance to further enrich our understanding of these phenomena.
Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success afte... more Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success after release and believe they will be less likely to reoffend than other prisoners. Moreover, studies suggest that optimism shapes desistance. This raises the interesting question of how and why female inmates maintain an optimistic outlook about their postrelease. The current study uses in-depth interviews with 26
International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology, Jan 31, 2015
The mass increase in imprisonment of the last two decades has led to an increasing number of adul... more The mass increase in imprisonment of the last two decades has led to an increasing number of adults released from prison. Scholarly accounts of prisoner reentry have demonstrated that incarcerated individuals face barriers on release from prison and that intervention programs are necessary to assist their transition to the community. Here, we build from the insights of previous research by examining how high-risk offenders perceive a reentry program. Using a qualitative approach, our findings suggest that procedural and substantive justice affect their satisfaction and involvement with the program. This study highlights the importance of providing employment opportunities, social support, and fair and respectful delivery of services to assist incarcerated individuals transitioning to the community.
Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2014
ABSTRACT Although prior research revealed that in noncorrectional and correctional settings, staf... more ABSTRACT Although prior research revealed that in noncorrectional and correctional settings, staff relationship style affects client outcomes, there has been little study of this effect for women offenders. The present study investigated effects of two dimensions of relationship style (probation or parole agent-reported supportiveness and punitiveness) on female clients’ reports of responding to interactions with their agents with anxiety, reactance, and a sense of self-efficacy to avoid a criminal lifestyle. Results of a longitudinal study of 330 women on probation or parole revealed that agent supportiveness elicited lower anxiety and reactance and higher crime-avoidance self-efficacy. Agent punitiveness elicited greater anxiety and crime-avoidance self-efficacy. Moderation effect analysis showed that punitive style was most related to anxiety and reactance for women at lowest risk for reoffending. In contrast, supportiveness was most related to positive outcomes for the highest risk women. The research findings suggest areas for future theory development and approaches to effective correctional practice.
Race and Justice, 2014
Research suggests that individuals on probation and parole typically reside in impoverished neigh... more Research suggests that individuals on probation and parole typically reside in impoverished neighborhoods affected by multiple forms of socioeconomic disadvantage. These neighborhoods are often extremely segregated, resulting in the concentration of deleterious effects, including crime, on communities of color, especially African Americans. We build on previous research by examining how Black and White female offenders negotiate neighborhood crime in distressed communities. Using a mixedmethods approach, our findings suggest that perceptions of neighborhood safety, crime, and strategies to avoid offending are different for Black and White women and related to neighborhood context. We propose that future research should investigate longterm outcomes of the use of particular strategies to address neighborhood crime.
Sociological Inquiry, 2011
Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic margi... more Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and find economic marginalization, substance addiction, and interpersonal networks are common reasons women enter the trade. However, we know less about the role that age of onset plays in shaping female pathways into prostitution. Here, we build from insights into previous research by analyzing not only entry pathways but also how age categories are linked to time spent in the trade and whether the length of time in prostitution exacts a greater ''toll'' on women. Drawing from the feminist and age of onset literatures, we analyze 40 in-depth interviews with female street prostitutes from five U.S. cities. Our results underscore the importance of age as an organizing feature of women's pathways into prostitution and the potential associated consequences of working in this trade.
Security Journal, 2013
ABSTRACT A body of research has examined the nature of security work, legislative efforts and tra... more ABSTRACT A body of research has examined the nature of security work, legislative efforts and training requirements. Fewer studies, however, have explored security officers’ perceptions of the training they received to perform their duties effectively. Although effort has been made to explore how useful the extant of training regime is for security officers in Canada (Manzo, 2009), it is unclear whether such views would hold among security officers in the United States, as both countries have minimal standard requirements regarding training. Building from Manzo’s (2009) research, we use in-depth interviews with 19 US security officers to explore security officers’ perceptions of training and what, if any, additional training security officers perceive that they need to perform their job effectively. Similar to Manzo’s work, we found that some of the officers improvise the needs and demands of their jobs with experiences drawn from prior employment; however, unlike Manzo’s study, security officers perceived a lack of adequate training to perform their tasks effectively and strongly endorsed the importance of and need for systematic and standardized training. Security Journal advance online publication, 23 September 2013; doi:10.1057/sj.2013.34
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 2010
Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success afte... more Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success after release and believe they will be less likely to reoffend than other prisoners. Moreover, studies suggest that optimism shapes desistance. This raises the interesting question of how and why female inmates maintain an optimistic outlook about their postrelease. The current study uses in-depth interviews with 26 incarcerated women to assess inductively their perceptions of life after prison and the self-enhancing schemas they draw from in this process. Results highlight the utility of examining incarcerated women's outlook about their future and have import for policy.
Journal of Criminal Justice, 2013
Deviant Behavior, 2013
ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, ab... more ABSTRACT Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, about the situational processes and context that shape the nature and outcome of attacks. In addition, limited research has examined the use of resistance strategies among female offenders. This article draws from a qualitative study of violence in the lives of female offenders to examine the situational context of assault outcomes and its relationship to their resistance strategies. Specifically, this study investigates how women's accounts of resistance to both physical and sexual assaults by an intimate partner, acquaintance, or stranger unfold across time. Results highlight the importance of examining the situational context of violence and resistance to further enrich our understanding of these phenomena.
Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success afte... more Research reveals that most incarcerated adults are optimistic about their chances of success after release and believe they will be less likely to reoffend than other prisoners. Moreover, studies suggest that optimism shapes desistance. This raises the interesting question of how and why female inmates maintain an optimistic outlook about their postrelease. The current study uses in-depth interviews with 26
Research demonstrates that race is commonly associated with perceptions of crime and thus, crime ... more Research demonstrates that race is commonly associated with perceptions of crime and thus, crime committed by people of color is often overestimated by the public, particularly white Americans. Studies also find that race is a predictor of citizens’ attitudes towards and experiences with the police. However, studies have not yet explored if and how minorities associate crime with people of color. Drawing from interviews with 81 men and women, this study explores the extent to which protesters from Ferguson, Missouri racially typify crime and their perceptions of how the police view and treat people who are black compared to people who are white. Results revealed that most respondents did not associate people of color with crime but believed that the police did. Additionally, the negative perceptions participants believed police to have were connected with broader social inequalities. Findings from this study reinforce the importance of police legitimacy.
Deviant Behavior, Jan 1, 2010
... Gang Fights versus Cat Fights: Urban Young Men's Gendered Narratives of Violence. ..... more ... Gang Fights versus Cat Fights: Urban Young Men's Gendered Narratives of Violence. ... safety in dangerous communities by establishing a violent social identity, noting as well that such identities provide them with respect and status among their peers (Brunson and Stewart 20064 ...
Criminal Justice Review, Jan 1, 2008
The prevalence of drug use among probationers, and the entire offender population, has been well ... more The prevalence of drug use among probationers, and the entire offender population, has been well documented. Numerous drug treatment modalities have been shown to reduce recidivism among this population; however, analyses of programmatic success are often based on a subset of offenders who complete treatment. Less is known about individuals who fail to complete treatment. The goal of the current study is to consider the interaction of drug use, drug treatment provision, and treatment completion on recidivism using data from the 2000 Illinois Probation Outcome Study. Findings from a series of proportional hazard models indicate that probationers who failed to complete treatment were more likely to be rearrested in the four years following discharge from probation, even when compared to individuals who needed treatment but did not enroll. Moreover, probationers who failed to complete treatment had more serious criminal histories and fewer ties to society. The research has important implications for the measurement of treatment provision in studies of recidivism, in specific, and more generally for the need to engage and retain probationers in drug treatment.
This article addresses criticism by critical and feminist criminologists who fault the Risk/Needs... more This article addresses criticism by critical and feminist criminologists who fault the Risk/Needs/ Responsivity corrections model for ignoring state-created recidivism risks. It examines the connection between women offenders' changes in access to economic safety net benefits and changes in individual recidivism risk. Longitudinal quantitative data were from 345 women interviewed six months apart in a state with extreme benefits cuts. Loss of monetary assistance and new unmet need for housing aid were significantly related to increased economic-related recidivism risk. Women with consistent unmet needs and those who received benefits had high levels of risk over time. Women with persistent unmet economic need had high levels of other risk that included mental illness and substance abuse. Findings reveal inconsistencies between polices that reduce availability of economic benefits to the poor and the correctional goals of reducing recidivism risk.
Guided by control theory, this study examines memorable messages that women on probation and paro... more Guided by control theory, this study examines memorable messages
that women on probation and parole receive from their probation
and parole agents. Women interviewed for the study were asked
to report a memorable message they received from an agent, and
to describe situations if/when the message came to mind in three
contexts likely to emerge from a control theory perspective: when
they did something of which they were proud, when they
stopped themselves from doing something they would later
regret, and when they did something of which they were not
proud. The types of memorable messages and the reactions to
these messages within the three contexts were coded, and
differences between women on probation versus parole were
examined. Overall, a greater proportion of women on parole
recalled memorable messages, and the most frequently reported
type of memorable message was behavioral advice. Women
reported that the message helped them do things of which they
were proud, such as engaging in routine activities and fulfilling
goals; helped them to not give into urges that could lead to
further negative sanctions or feelings of regret; and came to mind
when they relapsed. Practical implications of the findings for
training are presented.