Educational programs help prisoners understand why it is important to have a job after release. Palmer explains how post-secondary programs that offer vocational education courses and college credit courses for qualified inmates can reduce recidivism. Postsecondary education programs help inmates use their perceptiveness to understand the importance of avoiding conflict in and out of prison, which reduces the likelihood of recidivism. After and during participation in educational programs, inmates can reflect on their actions and there is also an increased sense of motivation. For example, if an inmate gets a job after release, there will be less chance of reoffending. Prison education can also change prisoners' attitudes towards life in general, lead to improved self-esteem, confidence and self-awareness, and help them find good jobs upon release and resist committing further crimes ( Pettit & Kroth, 2011). Unfortunately, several studies have shown that lack of motivation, personal problems and conflicts within prison and/or transfer to another prison represent obstacles to completing the process. Another barrier to completion would be not having the resources needed to complete assignments. However, an individual with a controlled psychological disorder may enroll in the program, but may find that the stress of participation aggravates the condition, further limiting the likelihood of completion