Mindfulness-Based Bibliotherapy for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Incarcerated Women
Nicole Teske, Joseph Korevec, Jennifer L. Schriver
Criminal Justice and Behavior January 21, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/00938548241313384 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Women in prison |
| Duration | 5-week intervention; outcomes assessed at 5 weeks, 10 weeks, and 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | A 5-week self-guided bibliotherapy workbook produced no significant symptom reduction at 5 weeks, but the treatment group showed reduced anxiety, depression, and distress and increased mindfulness at 10 weeks, with depression continuing to decrease at 3 months. The waitlist control group showed similar gains after receiving the intervention. |
Abstract
This research examines the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial of bibliotherapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among women in prison. Forty women were randomly assigned to a 5-week bibliotherapy intervention with no therapist contact or a waitlist control group. Participants were provided a workbook based on principles of mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy. Although the treatment group did not demonstrate significant symptom reduction after 5 weeks, the group did demonstrate a delayed treatment effect at 10 weeks with reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and distress as well as increased mindfulness skills. Symptoms of depression continued to decrease at the 3-month follow-up, and other treatment gains were maintained. The waitlist control group demonstrated similar gains after participating in the intervention. This study suggests that low-cost, self-help interventions may provide important opportunities for treatment access to incarcerated populations.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Bibliotherapy: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology June 2017
- The effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for prevention of relapse in recurrent major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review May 15, 2011