Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Prison: Experiences of Inmates, Instructors, and Prison Staff.
Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol June 13, 2019
A qualitative study explored the experiences of inmates, instructors, and prison staff with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in a prison setting. Inmates reported increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, and reduced stress, though some faced challenges with meditation in the prison environment. Instructors noted the need for adapting MBSR to the correctional context, while staff observed both benefits and tensions, such as inmates appearing calmer but also more withdrawn. The findings suggest MBSR can be beneficial in prisons but requires careful implementation to address the unique constraints and social dynamics of incarceration.