In prison, inmates often don’t have access to many personal items, so when they do acquire something of value—whether it be a photograph, a letter, or a small keepsake—it can hold great significance. After release, some former prisoners continue to place a strong emphasis on their personal belongings, keeping them close and often valuing them over material possessions. This attachment can be a coping mechanism tied to a sense of identity and security that was lacking during their time behind bars.
