Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Male Portuguese Prisoners

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in prison environments have revealed positive benefits for prisoners’ physical and psychological health. This study aimed to verify the efficacy of an MBI program in decreasing depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, negative effects, and increasing positive affects, self-esteem, and mindfulness state and capacity in prisoners. The sample comprised 44 Portuguese male prisoners, who were divided into two groups: the mindfulness training group ( n = 22) and the control group ( n = 22). The mindfulness training group demonstrated increased self-esteem and mindfulness capacities. Qualitative analysis showed the usefulness of the training for inmates, not only in their daily prison life, but also post-release and the importance of breathing in coping with anxious and stressful situations. These findings suggest the benefits of MBI in prison settings and propose that these interventions may hold the potential to improve prisoners’ reintegration into society.

Group-based mindfulness interventions in prisons: a selective critical review

“…The most used MIs within this review included pre-established MI programmes: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (N = 4), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (N = 4), then Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MSBR) (N = 1). Additionally, Alipour et al (2023) used aromatherapy-based mindfulness; Buric et al (2023) used mindfulness meditations; Carmo et al (2022) used a combined MBCT and MSBR programme; Davies et al (2021) used a partially MBCT-related mixed-therapeutic programme, and Malouf et al (2017) used the “Re-entry Values and Mindfulness Programme” (REVAMP). All interventions included were group-based and used core mindfulness theory and practice including mindful meditation, focussed thought attention, open monitoring of thoughts and relaxation techniques (Schuman-Olivier et al , 2020).…”

“…found no significant changes in emotional regulation difficulties, inhibition or mindfulness skills Carmo et al (2022). found no significant changes in anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem or mood quality following intervention.…”

“…Participation in MIs also indicated significant improvements in participant anxiety and stress (Bouw et al, 2019;Davies et al, 2021;Xu et al, 2016) as well as improved sleep quality (An et al, 2019b). Significant, negative correlations were further found between anxiety, stress and mindfulness skills (An et al, 2019a(An et al, , 2019bCarmo et al, 2022). Levels of hostility (An et al, 2019a) anger and total mood disturbance (Xu et al, 2016).…”

“…Three studies indicated a significant reduction in depression (Alipour et al, 2023;Xu et al, 2016), with one further study indicating persistent reductions in depression up to 6 months after MI participation (Gallego et al, 2023). Depression was further shown to have a negative relationship with the acquisition of increased mindfulness skills (An et al, 2019a;An et al, 2019b;Carmo et al, 2022). Participation in MIs also indicated significant improvements in participant anxiety and stress (Bouw et al, 2019;Davies et al, 2021;Xu et al, 2016) as well as improved sleep quality (An et al, 2019b).…”

Male Prisoners- A Study on Attention, Present Focus, Awareness, Acceptance, Mindfulness & Anxiety among the adults

“…According to Barlow (2002), -Anxiety is an uncontrollable, diffuse, unpleasant and persistent negative emotional state characterized by a fearful anticipation of unpredictable and inevitable future danger, accompanied by stressful physiological symptoms and a persistent state of hypervigilance.‖ Moss (2014), defined anxiety as -A person's general response to a threat or danger.‖ Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBIs) showed positive benefits for 44 male Portuguese prisoners in psychological and physical health (Carmo et al, 2022). According to Dadi et al, (2016) a cross-sectional study was done in North West Amhara, Ethiopia on 700 prisoners.…”