The practice of positive criminology: a Vipassana course in prison.
Natti Ronel, Noa Frid, Uri Timor
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology February 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x11427664 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative phenomenological study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 22 |
| Population | Male prisoners in recovery from substance dependency |
| Dose | 10-day |
| Duration | Interviews before, immediately after, and 3 to 4 months after the course |
| Key finding | Components of positive criminology—perceived goodness, positive relationships with prison staff, positive social atmosphere, and overcoming an ordeal—had a meaningful impact on prisoners in rehabilitation. |
Abstract
Positive criminology is a new term for a perspective associated with theories and models that relate to socially inclusive, positively experienced influences that assist individuals in desisting or refraining from criminal and deviant behavior. A qualitative phenomenological study of prisoners who were in recovery from substance dependency and who participated in a Vipassana course in a rehabilitative prison introduces features of positive criminology. A total of 22 male prisoners participated in a 10-day Vipassana course run by volunteers in prison. Deep interviews were conducted with participants before, immediately after, and 3 to 4 months after the course. The findings describe components of positive criminology that had meaningful impact on the prisoners in rehabilitation: perceived goodness, positive relationship with the prison staff, positive social atmosphere, and overcoming an ordeal. Implications for practice and further research are outlined.