This study investigates factors that affect female probationers' and parolees' decision to engage or not engage in desired communication with their probation/parole officers (PO) about difficult issues they face. The influence of perceived norms, conversational goals, and various secondary variable considerations (such as criminogenic needs, perceptions of PO characteristics and influences, and social network qualities) on communication behavior are examined. Interviews were conducted with 402 women on probation and parole across the state of Michigan, and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Of these 402 women, 127 stated that there was a time when they wanted to talk to their PO about a difficult need or issue they were facing. Issues they wanted to talk about included housing, relationship issues, and illegal activity. Results indicated that social norms did not predict whether or not communication occurred, but that personal resource goals were a significant predictor. Women who were concerned about threats to their freedom and resources were less likely to have talked to their PO about the issue. Additionally, women who reported that they felt anxiety and psychological reactance during and after their meetings with their PO were also less likely to engage in the conversation. These findings illuminate possible reasons that impact whether or not individuals engage in difficult conversations.
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