A bibliometric review of research on resilience, motivation and prisoners, 1912-2024

1.1 Research background

Research on resilience and motivation holds significant importance across disciplines such as psychology, sociology, criminology, and public health (Adams, 2022; Schulz et al., 2023). Resilience—the dynamic process of adapting and recovering from adversity, stress, or major obstacles—is widely recognized as a key determinant of psychological well-being (Adams, 2022; Tomaszewski, 2023; Uddin et al., 2012). Motivation, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, drives individuals to pursue goals and change behavior (Schulz et al., 2023; Deci & Ryan, 2012). These two constructs often intersect in contexts characterized by chronic stress and restricted autonomy, where recovery and personal growth are essential for survival and development, particularly in criminogenic or institutional environments (Passas, 2024).

Incarcerated individuals embody this intersection. Life in prison is frequently associated with the loss of freedom, stigma, social disconnection, and exposure to violence (Curley et al., 2025). These stressors often compound pre-existing vulnerabilities such as mental illness or substance dependency, making rehabilitation and reintegration especially challenging (Batistich et al., 2025; Klinoff et al., 2018). Building psychological resilience and strengthening motivation is therefore crucial for inmates to engage in constructive activities such as therapy, education, and vocational training (Paquette et al., 2025).

Over the last century, correctional systems worldwide have gradually shifted from punitive models to rehabilitative frameworks that emphasize psychological and social support (Ahmed et al., 2025; Durkin, 2025). This paradigm shift has fueled academic interest in how prison environments can foster resilience and motivation to reduce recidivism and improve post-release reintegration (Dewey et al., 2024). Scholars have increasingly investigated how resilience and motivation can support personal, psychological, and behavioral development among incarcerated individuals (Powrie, 2025).

1.2 Review of literature

In developmental psychology, early research on resilience focused on how children overcame adversity related to poverty, abuse, or neglect (David & Towl, 2021). Foundational studies by Werner and Smith in the 1950s and 1980s emphasized traits such as emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and the presence of supportive adult relationships (Whitehead et al., 2014). These characteristics enabled individuals to navigate hardship, supporting the notion that resilience is both complex and dynamic (Pamungkas et al., 2023). In modern scholarships, resilience research now includes family, community, and structural dimensions.

In correctional settings, resilience is essential for managing psychological stressors such as confinement, loss of autonomy, and institutional aggression. Evidence shows that cognitive strategies, peer support, and rehabilitation programs can significantly enhance resilience (Carmo et al., 2024). Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been found to improve emotional regulation and stress management among inmates (Derlic, 2022; Harding-White et al., 2024). Peer-led support programs have also demonstrated value in fostering resilience and promoting pro-social behavior (Riley et al., 2019).

Motivation studies have evolved alongside resilience research. Influential theories such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Bandura’s self-efficacy model highlight how fulfilling psychological needs and fostering agency contribute to behavioral change (Pastwa-Wojciechowska & Guzińska, 2024; Shield, 2025). More recent work, particularly Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT), differentiates between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Ntsame Sima et al., 2024). Intrinsic motivation—driven by personal values and interest—tends to sustain long-term behavioral change more effectively than extrinsic incentives (Moller et al., 2014; Ryan & Reeve, 2021).

Incarcerated individuals require significant motivation to engage in rehabilitative programs. Approaches like motivational interviewing have been shown to enhance participation in education and occupational training. Goal-setting initiatives, in which prisoners develop attainable and meaningful goals, are also associated with improved behavioral outcomes. Notably, resilience is linked to higher levels of self-efficacy and determination, both of which are essential for success during and after incarceration (Pandya, 2022).

Multidisciplinary research increasingly demonstrates that resilience and motivation significantly influence psychological well-being and rehabilitation outcomes among prisoners. Interventions aimed at strengthening resilience can also enhance motivation by promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness—central constructs of self-determination theory (Huang et al., 2020). Conversely, boosting motivation may improve resilience by fostering confidence in one’s ability to overcome challenges (Navickienė & Vasiliauskas, 2024; Schulz et al., 2023).

Despite this progress, significant gaps remain. Much of the literature on resilience and motivation in prison settings is Western-centric, limiting its generalizability across diverse cultural and socio-economic environments. Further research is needed to understand how cultural norms, systemic inequalities, and resource constraints shape resilience and motivation within global correctional systems. Additionally, the application of digital technologies—such as virtual reality, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence—for supporting inmate rehabilitation is promising yet underexplored.

Finally, most research to date has focused on individual-level interventions, overlooking broader systemic and structural influences. Examining how prison policies, institutional environments, and staff-prisoner interactions affect psychological outcomes could lead to more supportive correctional practices. Moreover, limited attention has been given to the role of resilience and motivation in the post-release phase. Research on how these constructions influence employment, mental health, and community reintegration is essential for designing effective recidivism-reduction strategies.

1.3 Study objectives

This bibliometric review aims to analyze trends, methodologies, and thematic developments in research on resilience and motivation among incarcerated individuals between 1912 and 2024. The specific objectives are to:

This review integrates fragmented literature to map the intellectual evolution of this field and inform the development of evidence-based interventions and correctional policies aimed at improving mental health, reducing recidivism, and promoting the successful reintegration of prisoners into society.

2.1 Source identification

This study utilized the Scopus database as the primary source of bibliographic data due to its comprehensive coverage in the social sciences, psychology, and public health disciplines. Compared to alternatives like Web of Science, Scopus offers broader indexing and improved accessibility to high-quality scholarly publications (Pranckutė, 2021; Tennant, 2020). The review included a diverse range of documents, including journal articles, books, book chapters, and conference proceedings. To ensure inclusivity, the search strategy used the keywords: “resilience” OR “motivation” AND “prisoners.” No start year was specified in the search query, allowing for the inclusion of the earliest available records.

The study adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure transparency in the identification, screening, and selection of documents (Moher et al., 2010; Pham & Le, 2024). An initial Scopus search yielded 1,309 documents. After removing two duplicates, 1,307 records remained for screening. A title and abstract review excluded 50 documents unrelated to prisoner resilience or motivation. A further 20 records were excluded during full-text assessment for lacking methodological relevance. This process resulted in the inclusion of 1,227 articles for qualitative synthesis, and 10 for quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis).

2.2 Data analysis

The final dataset comprised 1,309 Scopus-indexed publications on prisoner resilience and motivation. Data elements extracted included authorship, publication year, source title, institutional affiliation, and citation metrics. Descriptive and bibliometric techniques were applied to analyze trends, patterns, and structural relationships. VOSviewer software was used to conduct network visualizations and thematic mapping (Lim et al., 2024).

To examine the temporal development of research, publication frequency over time was analyzed using descriptive statistics, revealing periods of growth and scholarly engagement. Institutional affiliations were evaluated to identify leading countries and institutions in the field. Citation analysis highlighted influential authors and publications, providing insights into intellectual leadership and foundational literature (Ding et al., 2014).

Keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted to identify dominant research themes and evolving areas of interest. This involved analyzing the frequency and interconnections of keywords in titles, abstracts, and author-designated terms using VOSviewer. Emerging research trends were mapped through temporal keyword analysis.

Author co-citation analysis was performed to understand the theoretical underpinnings of the field. This method revealed intellectual groupings based on frequently co-cited authors, offering insights into the conceptual foundations of resilience and motivation research in prison contexts (Robledo-Giraldo et al., 2023).

The integration of these analytical approaches allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the field’s development, regional contributions, intellectual structure, and research priorities.

2.3 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the quality and relevance of the selected documents. Eligible publications included empirical studies, theoretical articles, reviews, book chapters, and conference proceedings with a substantive focus on resilience or motivation among prisoners.

Only English-language documents were included to maintain linguistic consistency and maximize accessibility to an international audience. The time span extended from 1912 to 2024, enabling both historical and contemporary trends to be captured. Relevance was determined through title and abstract screening.

Documents were excluded if they lacked empirical or conceptual depth, such as editorial notes, brief reports, letters to the editor, and retracted publications. Non-English materials were excluded for consistency. Publications without identifiable titles or author information were also removed to maintain dataset integrity.

These selection criteria ensured the inclusion of high-quality, thematically relevant literature and enhanced the methodological rigor of the bibliometric analysis.

2.4 Reliability

The study ensured reliability through standardized procedures and adherence to established bibliometric protocols (Babu & Kohli, 2023). The selection of Scopus as the data source enhanced data validity, given its peer-reviewed and indexed content.

The use of clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria minimized selection bias and enhanced reproducibility. Compliance with PRISMA guidelines ensured transparency in the review process, from initial identification to final synthesis.

VOSviewer software provided a consistent and replicable platform for network and trend analysis, including co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword mapping. Duplicate and incomplete records were eliminated, and only verified entries were retained in the final dataset.

These methodological safeguards contributed to the robustness, consistency, and credibility of the study’s findings, offering a dependable foundation for future research in this field.

3.1 Year of publication

Table 1 presents the distribution of publications on resilience and motivation among prisoners from 1912 to 2025. Over time, there has been a consistent increase in research activity, reflecting a growing academic and societal interest in this field.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow diagram showing the selection process of articles included in the bibliometric review, adapted from Moher et al., (2010).

3.1.1 1912–1960s: Sparse and inconsistent output

Research activity during this period was minimal. Only a few isolated publications emerged in 1912, 1928, and 1935. From 1946 to the late 1960s, the number of annual publications remained between one and three, suggesting limited academic focus or resource availability during these decades.

3.1.2 1970s–1990s: Gradual growth

The early 1970s saw a modest rise in scholarly output, from 2 publications in 1971 to 18 by 1975. This increase may reflect advances in research methodologies, data accessibility, or funding opportunities (Ninkov et al., 2021). During the 1980s and early 1990s, publication counts stabilized between 4 and 10 per year, indicating a gradual normalization of research in this area despite occasional fluctuations.

3.1.3 2000–2010: Marked acceleration

The early 2000s marked a significant upsurge in research production. Between 2000 and 2005, annual publications rose from 12 to 24, and by 2006, the figure jumped to 41. This acceleration continued through 2008 and 2009, with 41 publications each year, followed by 46 in 2010. The surge is likely linked to technological advancements, digital access to academic databases, and increased institutional support for research (Kalyani, 2024).

3.1.4 2011–2020: Peak research activity

The field reached a period of high productivity during this decade. In 2011, 58 publications were recorded, and this number remained consistently high in the years that followed. The highest output was in 2021, with 67 publications, closely followed by 66 in 2020. This trend indicates robust global academic engagement, driven by collaborative efforts, increased funding, and growing policy relevance (Kwiek, 2021).

3.1.5 2021–2025: Sustained out with slight variability

Following 2021, publication numbers remained strong, with over 50 documents annually. The year 2024 reached a new peak with 69 publications. The lower number in 2025 (six publications) is likely due to the partial nature of the data for that year. Overall, the increasing trend in publication volume—especially since the early 2000s—signals sustained interest and growing scholarly momentum.

This trend also suggests that earlier decades were constrained by factors such as limited research funding, technological barriers, and restricted international collaboration (Arbour et al., 2021). The acceleration in the 21st century reflects the influence of policy shifts, infrastructure expansion, and multidisciplinary interest in the psychological rehabilitation of inmates.

Future studies may benefit from investigating the underlying causes of these temporal shifts in research output and how these patterns correspond to changes in global prison reform agendas, funding mechanisms, and collaborative networks.

3.2 Geographic distribution and collaboration network of authors

3.2.1 Geographic distribution of authors

Table 2 displays the distribution of authors based on institutional affiliation. The United States leads with 11 affiliated authors, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. This indicates a Western dominance in prisoner resilience and motivation research. Leading contributors include institutions such as the University of New South Wales, California State University, and the University of Antwerp, emphasizing the role of well-resourced academic centers in advancing this domain (Abdel-Salam & Kilmer, 2023).

Institutions like the Section of Trauma Studies at the Institute of Psychiatry (UK) and the Istanbul Center for Behavior Research and Therapy (Turkey) reflect increasing global interest and collaboration. U.S.-based institutions such as Florida State University and the University of New Mexico highlight the integration of criminal justice and mental health research in correctional contexts.

Although contributions from developed nations dominate, emerging entries from countries like Russia and Belgium suggest a growing international scope. However, the underrepresentation of African, Latin American, and some Asian institutions suggests a need for broader geographic inclusion to better reflect diverse prison systems and cultural contexts.

Figure 2 illustrates the international collaboration network in prisoner resilience and motivation research. The map reveals that the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and China represent the most active contributors and hosts of interconnected research networks. The U.S. dominates both North American and global collaboration, supported by strong federal funding and well-established university-based research centers focused on criminology, psychology, and corrections (Batastini et al., 2024).

Figure 2. Country collaboration network in prisoner resilience and motivation research (VOSviewer visualization).

European collaboration clusters—particularly among the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands—reflect shared correctional policies and EU-supported research initiatives in justice and rehabilitation. Similarly, clusters in East Asia involving China, Singapore, and Taiwan suggest growing academic interest in applying psychological resilience frameworks within correctional settings facing challenges such as overcrowding and recidivism.

Emerging participation from countries like Indonesia, Iran, and Turkey is evident, though these nations remain more loosely integrated into global networks. Barriers such as language, limited research funding, and distinct correctional philosophies may hinder deeper collaboration.

The thickness and density of connecting lines on the map represent the frequency and strength of international partnerships. Strong links between North America and Europe indicate frequent joint projects and shared research agendas. In contrast, countries from Africa, South America, and the Middle East are largely absent or marginal in the network, highlighting regional underrepresentation in global discourse on prison rehabilitation.

This collaboration map underscores the urgent need to enhance research integration across underrepresented regions. Greater global inclusion would promote culturally grounded insights into resilience and motivation, fostering a more holistic understanding of prisoner rehabilitation across diverse penal systems.

3.2.2 Collaboration networks among authors

Table 3 shows the most collaborative authors based on co-authorship frequency. Stein L.A.R., Sarchiapone M., and Ward T. each appeared in seven collaborative works, indicating their central role in research networks. Authors such as Roy A., Boone C., and Brochu S. also demonstrate high collaboration levels, contributing to the interdisciplinary integration of psychology, criminology, and behavioral sciences.

These collaboration patterns suggest strong research clusters, with co-authors forming long-term academic partnerships across various subfields—including correctional mental health, rehabilitation strategies, and motivational interventions (Mejia et al., 2021). However, the network also reveals fragmented segments, where early-career researchers or those from underrepresented regions may be working in isolation.

Figure 3 (co-authorship network via VOSviewer) illustrates these clusters, with several prominent collaborative hubs centered around authors like Stein and Martin. These clusters show thematic specialization, such as drug addiction recovery, psychological therapy, and motivational enhancement in correctional settings.

Figure 3. VosViewer analysis on author co-authorship network in prisoner resilience and motivation research.

Despite strong internal collaboration, limited cross-cluster integration suggests missed opportunities for broader theoretical exchange. Strengthening interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration could foster innovation and methodological diversity in prisoner rehabilitation research.

3.2.3 Institutional contributions and collaborations

Figure 4 presents the institutional collaboration network, highlighting contributions from leading academic centers. Institutions like Temple University, Harvard Medical School, and University College London demonstrate strong interconnectivity. These institutions often collaborate on projects spanning mental health, criminology, and rehabilitative psychology, reflecting the field’s interdisciplinary nature.

Figure 4. VosViewer analysis on institutional collaboration network in prisoner resilience and motivation research.

Institutional linkages tend to cluster geographically. North American and European institutions dominate the collaboration landscape, while institutions from developing countries remain largely disconnected. This imbalance suggests that prison rehabilitation research is still heavily influenced by Western perspectives (Hedges et al., 2021).

Government-linked institutions such as the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (USA) and HM Prison Service (UK) signal practical applications of research findings. These collaborations bridge academic work with policy and practice, supporting evidence-based correctional strategies.

Nevertheless, the absence of institutional partners from Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia limits the global applicability of current findings. Expanding research partnerships through joint funding, academic exchanges, and collaborative studies could address this gap and promote more inclusive correctional rehabilitation frameworks.

In summary, Section 3.2 demonstrates that while prisoner resilience and motivation research is growing, it remains concentrated in high-income countries and established research hubs. Promoting international, cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing global understanding and developing culturally responsive interventions.

3.3 Thematic areas and research focus

3.3.1 All keywords

Figure 5 presents a keyword co-occurrence network generated using VOSviewer, highlighting dominant themes and research intersections in the study of resilience and motivation among prisoners. A total of 650 keywords met the minimum threshold for inclusion (out of 6,221 total keywords with at least seven occurrences).

Figure 5. VosViewer analysis on keyword co-occurrence network in resilience and motivation research.

Note: Minimum number of occurrences of keyword 7 of the 6221 keywords, 650 meet the thresholds.

The most frequently linked terms include “prisoners,” “resilience,” “motivation,” “coping,” “psychological aspects,” “self-efficacy,” “drug addiction,” and “rehabilitation.” The strength of connections between these keywords suggests an interdisciplinary approach, bridging correctional psychology, criminology, addiction recovery, and behavioral health (Radhakrishnan et al., 2017; Bukar et al., 2023).

Thematic clusters in the network reveal four major research domains:

Other important terms such as “HIV prevention,” “treatment adherence,” and “healthcare access” indicate growing awareness of health inequities within correctional settings. The appearance of keywords such as “women prisoners” and “gender” marks the emergence of more inclusive research on vulnerable populations.

Despite these strengths, gaps remain. Keywords related to vocational training, post-incarceration employment, and economic reintegration are notably underrepresented. In addition, there is a lack of emphasis on cultural adaptation and ethnic diversity, suggesting the need for more context-sensitive studies, particularly from non-Western environments.

This analysis underscores a transition in focus from punitive models to rehabilitative and rights-based frameworks, while also highlighting areas that warrant further investigation—especially gender-specific interventions and post-release support systems.

3.3.2 Keyword co-occurrence and emerging trends

Figure 6 displays a temporal co-occurrence network based on 99 keywords (from a total of 2,678 keywords with at least five mentions). This visualization highlights not only established research themes but also emerging trends.

Figure 6. VosViewer analysis on keyword co-occurrence and emerging trends.

Note: Minimum number of occurrences of a keyword 5 of the 2678 keywords, 99 meet the thresholds.

The most prominent emerging clusters include:

This keyword network highlights a critical shift in correctional research—from institutional control and punishment to rehabilitation, resilience, and restorative justice. However, several crucial aspects—such as cultural adaptation, technological innovation in interventions, and long-term reentry outcomes—remain underexplored.

3.3.3 Index keywords

Figure 7 presents index keyword clusters that further classify core topics in the field. A total of 824 keywords (from 4,203 with at least five mentions) met the threshold for inclusion. These clusters echo and refine earlier findings:

Figure 7. VosViewer analysis on index keywords in resilience and motivation research among prisoners.

Note: Minimum number of occurrences of a keyword 5 of the 4203 keywords, 824 meet the thresholds.

Despite comprehensive coverage, significant gaps remain:

In conclusion, keyword analysis across all levels shows that while research has diversified and matured, more culturally inclusive, gender-sensitive, and post-release-focused studies are needed. Advancing this field requires sustained interdisciplinary collaboration among psychologists, criminologists, public health experts, and policymakers to create context-specific, effective interventions for incarcerated individuals worldwide.

3.4 Citation analysis and research influence

Figure 8 illustrates the citation network of key publications within prisoner resilience and motivation research. Central nodes represent highly cited works, and the size and thickness of the connecting lines reflect citation volume and strength of scholarly influence.

Figure 8. VosViewer analysis on citation analysis and research influence.

Note: Minimum number of citations of a document: 3 of the 1309 documents, 907 meet the thresholds.

Seminal works by De Leon (2000), Peters et al., (2004), Messina et al., (2006), Manger et al., (2013) and Borseth et al., (2025) stand out as foundational to the field. These studies laid the groundwork for research on therapeutic communities, addiction recovery, and motivational frameworks in correctional settings. The presence of citation clusters around these authors suggests a long-standing influence on research practices, theory development, and policy recommendations.

For instance, De Leon’s work on structured peer-supported therapeutic communities shaped early intervention models within prisons. This framework—emphasizing self-efficacy, responsibility, and structured group therapy—remains influential in addiction recovery programs (De Leon, 2000).

Subsequent studies by Pelissier and Messina expanded on this by linking psychological resilience, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health interventions to reductions in recidivism. These contributions collectively shifted correctional approaches from punitive deterrence to rehabilitative and motivational paradigms supported by cognitive-behavioral principles (Christensen & Hesstvedt, 2024). Recent citation activity has pivoted toward reintegration research. Authors like King & Smith (2024) and Sahoo et al., (2025) explore how post-release experiences—such as employment access, social support, and mental health—impact long-term resilience and recidivism. These studies highlight the growing importance of holistic reentry frameworks in contemporary correctional research.

Despite these advancements, the citation network reveals notable gaps:

Figure 9 further demonstrates journal co-citation patterns, identifying key academic sources that shape the discipline. Journals such as the Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Addictive Behaviors, American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and Law and Human Behavior serve as primary platforms for publishing and citing foundational research.

Figure 9. VosViewer analysis on journal co-citation analysis of the most prominent academic sources.

Note: Minimum number of documents of a source 5 of the 784 sources, 32 meet the thresholds.

These journals collectively reflect an interdisciplinary focus on:

Notably, the frequent co-citation of literature from psychology, criminology, and public health confirms the transdisciplinary nature of this field. However, the limited visibility of regionally focused journals—especially from the Global South—raises concerns about citation bias and scholarly imbalance.

In summary, citation and co-citation analyses underscore the field’s evolution from early work on recovery and therapeutic communities to more recent concerns around post-release reintegration, mental health, and justice reform. While the field benefits from a strong empirical and theoretical foundation, it still requires greater global inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and structural diversity in its citation landscape.