The effect of mindfulness training on mental health in long-term Chinese male prisoners.
Yuanyuan An, Yucheng Zhou, Qi Huang, Kun Jia, Wen Li, Wei Xu
Psychology, Health & Medicine August 22, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2018.1510130 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial? No, waitlist control group, but not explicitly randomized. The text says 'with 19 in the mindfulness training group and 21 in the waitlist control group' but does not state randomization. It is a controlled trial with waitlist control. Label: controlled trial (waitlist control). But to be safe: 'controlled trial' or 'quasi-experimental'? The text does not specify randomization, so 'controlled trial' is appropriate. Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Long-term male Chinese prisoners imprisoned for serious criminal behaviors with remaining sentences of at least 10 years |
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Measures | SCL-90, perceived stress (no specific instrument named for mindfulness level or perceived stress) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Stress, psychological Mental disorders Middle aged Prisoners China Male Young adult Mental health Perceived stress Mindfulness intervention |
| Key findings | The 6-week mindfulness training group showed significant improvements in mindfulness level (p < .01), SCL-90 scores (p < .001), and perceived stress (p < .05) compared to the waitlist control group. The authors conclude that mindfulness-based intervention can enhance mindfulness and mental health in long-term male prisoners. |
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that prisoners are more likely to suffer from psychological problems, especially long-term ones. This, in turn, can cause severe behavioral problems such as self-harm and suicide. Previous research demonstrates that mindfulness-based intervention statistically contributes to improved emotional health in general terms. However, little is known about what specific aspects of mental health are improved. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of a 6-week mindfulness training program to the mental health of long-term male Chinese prisoners who were imprisoned for serious criminal behaviors and their prison sentences remain at least 10 years. Forty long-term male prisoners completed the entire study, with 19 in the mindfulness training group and 21 in the waitlist control group. Both groups completed self-report inventories before and after the 6-week intervention. Results show that the training group had significant improvement in mindfulness level (p < .0l), score of SCL-90 (p < .001) and perceived stress (p < .05) compared to the waitlist control group. With respect to the results, we discuss the significance and limitations of this study. Overall, the study provides evidence that mindfulness-based intervention can enhance the mindfulness level and mental health of long-term male prisoners.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Evaluating the Use of Mindfulness and Yoga Training on Forensic Inpatients: A Pilot Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry December 10, 2020
- The Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Affective Symptoms: A Meta-analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) Clinical Psychology Review November 11, 2019
Cites 6
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Massachusetts Correctional Facilities The Prison Journal June 1, 2007
- The Effects of Mindfulness Training on Emotional Health in Chinese Long-Term Male Prison Inmates. Mindfulness April 19, 2016
and 1 more in the library