The Effects of Body Scan Meditation on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Impulsivity among Alcohol-Related Offenders
The Correction Welfare Society Of Korea, Jiwoong Song, Hyunsuk Han
The Correction Welfare Society of Korea April 30, 2026 DOI: 10.35422/cwsk.2026.91.51 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractBody scan meditation reduced depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity among alcohol-related offenders. Thirty inmates from a correctional facility in Jeonbuk Province were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group completed six sessions of body scan meditation over two weeks. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity, and higher interoceptive awareness. Reductions in depression and stress, along with improvements in interoceptive awareness, were statistically significant. The meditation also helped maintain stable anxiety and impulsivity levels. The intervention shows potential for reducing psychological distress in incarcerated populations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Inmates with alcohol-related offenses from a correctional facility in Jeonbuk Province |
| Intervention | Body scan meditation |
| Duration | Two-week period with six sessions |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Impulsivity Depression economics Intervention counseling |
| Key finding | Body scan meditation reduced depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity, and improved interoceptive awareness among alcohol-related offenders. |
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of body scan meditation on depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity among alcohol-related offenders. A total of 30 inmates from A correctional facility in Jeonbuk Province were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group participated in six sessions of body scan meditation over a two-week period. The results indicated that the experimental group showed lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity, and higher levels of interoceptive awareness compared to the control group. In particular, reductions in depression and stress, as well as improvements in interoceptive awareness, were statistically significant. Moreover, body scan meditation contributed to maintaining stable levels of anxiety and impulsivity. These findings suggest that body scan meditation can be effectively applied to reduce psychological distress and promote stable mental states among inmates with alcohol-related offenses. Despite the limitations of correctional settings, this intervention demonstrates potential as a practical approach to enhancing psychological well-being in incarcerated populations.