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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)

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Study at a glance

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Characteristics Qualitative phenomenological study Peer reviewed
Sample size 22
Population Male prisoners in recovery from substance dependency
Intervention Vipassana course
Duration Interviews before, immediately after, and 3 to 4 months after the course
Topics Meditation
Key findings 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.

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Study Year Design Participants
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The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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