Explaining post-prison rehabilitation through music from the Good Lives Model perspective

Abstract

Whereas many research studies have discussed the impact of music programmes in a prison setting, few studies have investigated the impact of music programmes that take place outside the prison and are intended for formerly incarcerated individuals. The current study aims to fill this void by examining the experience of formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in a group music programme intended to assist them on their journey towards rehabilitation. Five formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in the Sounding Out Programme (SOP), a group music programme funded by the Irene Taylor Trust in London, were interviewed for this research. In addition, three programme staff members were interviewed in order to gain further perspective on the process. Content analysis of the interviews indicated the emergence of four central themes: improved social bonding, a sense of hope and life purpose, a sense of achievement, and transformation. These findings are discussed in light of the Good Lives Model (GLM). Accordingly, the SOP assisted both formerly incarcerated individuals and programme staff members in attaining the following GLM primary goods in life: community, relatedness, knowledge, spirituality, excellence in work and play, excellence in agency, and creativity.

“I’ll live better, stay away from crime”: exploring the reintegration of former prisoners into the community through a music programme

“…Participants described the programme as an opportunity to express themselves and their emotions, feel positive about themselves and help them cope emotionally. It is interesting that improvements in well-being were not documented in previous research with former Sounding Out participants (five years after participation: Bensimon, 2021), suggesting this might be a short-term impact. Numerous studies suggest that participation in creative programmes can provide an effective way of dealing with challenging emotions (cf Nugent and Loucks, 2011; Blacker and Watson, 2008).…”

“…The participant facilitator relationship is also particularly powerful and provides new role models (De Viggiani et al, 2013). The professional relationship and bonds between staff, musicians and participants builds on previous findings with Sounding Out (Bensimon, 2021) and other research in criminal justice settings. Cursley and Maruna (2015), for example, found that relationships between facilitators and participants increased social support, while De Viggiani et al (2013) have noted the new positive role models found in peers and facilitators.…”

“…The themes identified here build on previous research with Sounding Out participants five years after their involvement with the programme (Bensimon, 2021). This research captured the experiences of two cohorts of participants, collecting data with both staff and participants during and shortly after the Sounding Out programme.…”

“…Bensimon takes the analysis further by discussing the findings in light of the Good Lives Model (GLM: Ward, 2002), proposing that Sounding Out “assisted both formerly incarcerated individuals and programme staff members, in attaining the following GLM primary goods in life: community, relatedness, knowledge, spirituality, excellence in work and play, excellence in agency, and creativity”. (Bensimon, 2021, p. 1).…”

“…An evaluation of the Sounding Out pilot found that the programme provided valuable support for participants (Cartwright, 2013). Recent research by Bensimon (2021) is one of the few peer-reviewed studies to explore music programmes for people on release from prison and is focused on the Sounding Out programme. Bensimon presents findings from interviews with five participants and three members of staff, identifying four central themes focused on the impact of the programme: improved social bonding; a sense of hope and life purpose; a sense of achievement; and transformation. …”