This Minnesota Department of Corrections study examines the effects of prison visitation on recidivism among 16,420 offenders released from Minnesota prisons between 2003 and 2007. It takes into account different measurements of visitation: number of visitors, frequency of visits, total number of visits, etc., and also looks at recidivism via new crimes committed as well as parole violations. In the end, the study found that prison visits significantly lowered recidivism rates. The study includes a full breakdown on which types of visitors were the most beneficial to inmates; and with approximately 40% of the study group receiving no visits at all, it strongly encourages prisons to create resources for the population of prisoners who receive few or no visitors.

For the full results and conclusions, read more at doc.state.mn.us