This study investigates the relationship between perceived family support and criminal behavior among incarcerated women, adopting a psychosocial perspective. Recognizing that criminal behavior emerges from a complex interplay of individual vulnerabilities, environmental stressors, and social dynamics, this research places particular emphasis on the role of family support as a potential protective factor in the lives of female offenders.


The study was conducted with 191 female inmates incarcerated at the İzmir Women's Closed Penal Institution in 2024. A descriptive and correlational research design was employed. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The analyses were conducted using SPSS 25, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, MANOVA.


The findings revealed significant negative correlations between perceived total social support scores and various risk indicators: criminal recidivism (r = -.178, p < .05), lifetime substance use (r = -.148, p < .05), cigarette use (r = -.170, p < .05), and having a family history of criminal behavior (r = -.190, p < .01). Furthermore, family support levels were found to be significantly associated with nicotine dependence levels (F(4,157) = 3.850, p < .005), suggesting that low perceived support may increase vulnerability to addictive behaviors.


These results highlight the critical importance of strengthening familial bonds and enhancing psychosocial support systems for incarcerated women. Such efforts may contribute to reducing recidivism, promoting rehabilitation, and fostering reintegration. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for gender-responsive policies in the criminal justice system that account for the distinct psychosocial experiences and needs of women offenders.