Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Incarcerated Populations: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

A growing body of research supports the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in incarcerated populations; however, treatment effectiveness remains unclear. This meta-analysis of 22 studies ( N = 2,265, 75% male) quantified the effectiveness of MBIs in incarcerated populations on key psychological outcomes and criminogenic needs. Results from pre–post studies indicated MBIs had a small to moderate effect on all outcomes, but this was not supported by controlled studies. Studies with older participants, more females, and longer treatment length demonstrated slightly greater effects. Results from pre–post analyses demonstrated significant reductions in psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and criminogenic needs (impulsivity, self-dysregulation, anger, substance use behavior, and attitude). However, only depression and anxiety were significantly reduced in controlled studies. Although findings offer preliminary support of the efficacy of MBIs in targeting psychological health in incarcerated populations, further controlled studies are required to examine criminogenic outcomes and recidivism rates after treatment.

Evaluating the Use of Mindfulness and Yoga Training on Forensic Inpatients: A Pilot Study

“…There has been evidence of increased mindfulness through mindfulness-based interventions in prison and psychiatric populations ( 8 , 28 ). For forensic inpatients, prior research has demonstrated an increasing trend in the observing facet in their study on mindful-yoga training with forensic inpatients ( 34 ).…”

“…Researchers of incarcerated populations have noted prison is a stressful environment ( 2 ), and the present investigation found a significant decrease in perceived stress from baseline to post-intervention, but not at follow-up. While quantitative and qualitative studies examining the impact of mindfulness and/or yoga on stress have shown significant reductions in prison populations [e.g., ( 28 )] and in psychiatric inpatients [e.g., ( 46 )], others have not found reductions in perceived stress [e.g., ( 34 )]. Interestingly, although Sistig et al ( 34 ) did not have significant quantitative findings, the forensic inpatients qualitatively reported mindful-yoga training aided in stress management.…”

“…Researchers of incarcerated populations have noted prison is a stressful environment (2), and the present investigation found a significant decrease in perceived stress from baseline to post-intervention, but not at follow-up. While quantitative and qualitative studies examining the impact of mindfulness and/or yoga on stress have shown significant reductions in prison populations [e.g., (28)] and in psychiatric inpatients [e.g.,…”

“…In incarcerated populations, it is proposed that mindfulness training offers a healthy coping mechanism for inmates to better manage the stress of prison life and be less reactive to intense emotional states. A recent meta-analysis found that mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce psychological outcomes (e.g., depression) and criminogenic needs (e.g., impulsivity) in pre-post studies ( 28 ). A pilot RCT also found reductions in risk behavior following release from incarceration ( 29 ).…”

The Influence of Familial and Peer Social Support on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Black Girls in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

“…This information would help with the development of interventions that are culturally tailored and effective. In a meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with incarcerated adults, findings offered preliminary support of the efficacy of MBIs in targeting psychological health in incarcerated populations (Per et al, 2020). Further controlled studies are required to examine criminogenic outcomes and recidivism rates after treatment, especially for youth and girls of color.…”