International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
August 28, 2015
Katherine M. Auty, Aiden Cope, Alison Liebling
194 citations
A systematic review and two meta-analyses of prison yoga and meditation programs found that participants who completed such programs showed small improvements in psychological well-being (Cohen's d = 0.46) and behavioral functioning (Cohen's d = 0.30). Programs of longer duration and lower intensity had a slightly larger effect on psychological well-being than shorter, more intensive ones. For behavioral functioning, longer programs also had a marginally larger effect (d = 0.424) compared to intensive ones (d = 0.418). The evidence suggests yoga and meditation have favorable effects on prisoners.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
June 28, 2025
Francesca Danioni, Francesca Giorgia Paleari, Daniel Lumera et al.
Mindfulness training can sometimes reduce wellbeing and relational competence among prison inmates, particularly those who view their crime as less severe. In a longitudinal study of 49 inmates in two Italian prisons, mindfulness predicted a decline in both wellbeing and relational competence over time, but only for inmates who perceived their crime as less serious. The length of punishment did not significantly affect this relationship. The findings suggest that under certain conditions, mindfulness may have unintended negative effects, highlighting the need to refine mindfulness interventions for incarcerated populations.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
June 2, 2026
Herina Koko Ayot
Incarcerated men, especially those with trauma histories, face high recidivism rates, yet most rehabilitation programs focus on cognition. This systematic review of 24 studies examines experiential psychotherapies—mindfulness, ACT, yoga, meditation, and creative arts—in forensic settings for adult males. Thematic synthesis reveals three outcome domains: improved psychological well-being (reduced stress, anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms); better behavioral and cognitive regulation (enhanced impulse control, prosocial identity shifts); and reduced recidivism, notably with Transcendental Meditation and structured mindfulness. Evidence for Compassion Focused Therapy and most creative arts therapies was limited or absent. Findings suggest these therapies may support emotional regulation, identity change, and desistance, but study heterogeneity limits generalizability and underscores the need for rigorous longitudinal research.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
November 1, 2017
Carla J Barrett
Male participants aged 18-24 in an Alternative to Incarceration program reported reductions in stress and improvements in emotion regulation after yoga and mindfulness training. Participants described how an embodied practice helped them manage anger and impulse control. The narratives suggest that mindfulness-based interventions can contribute positively to rehabilitative outcomes in such settings, offering complementary benefits to existing programs, especially for clients open to mindfulness training. Service providers should consider the potential of these interventions to foster desistance and reduce recidivism among justice system-involved populations.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
February 1, 2013
Natti Ronel, Noa Frid, Uri Timor
A qualitative study of 22 male prisoners in recovery from substance dependency who completed a 10-day Vipassana meditation course in prison found that several components of what the authors term "positive criminology" had a meaningful impact on rehabilitation. These components included perceived goodness, positive relationships with prison staff, a positive social atmosphere, and overcoming an ordeal. The findings suggest that socially inclusive, positively experienced influences can assist individuals in desisting from criminal behavior.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
June 1, 2011
Samuel Himelstein
A review of empirical research on meditation-based programs in correctional populations finds that three interventions—Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and 10-day Vipassana retreats—have been most studied. Overall, the evidence suggests these programs enhance psychological well-being, reduce substance use, and lower recidivism. The review indicates that meditation-based programs may serve as proper treatment and support rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals.