Shakespeare in Prison: affecting health and wellbeing

Heard, Emma; Mutch, Allyson; Fitzgerald, Lisa; Pensalfini, Rob

doi:10.1108/ijph-03-2013-0013

Cited by 15 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Policymakers have explored a variety of approaches to achieve these goals, including more conventional programs such as mental health therapy and addictions treatment as well as alternative programs ranging from meditation retreats to Shakespearean theater (Council of State Governments Justice Center, 2014; Heard et al, 2013;Perelman et al, 2012). One promising but understudied approach is the implementation of prison-based dog programs (PDPs), in which inmates become dog handlers who train the animals for adoption or service work (Van Wormer et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring the Psychological Impacts of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs and In-Prison Outcomes for Inmates

et al. 2019

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As interest grows in programs that improve prison inmates’ behavior and psychosocial well-being, any such interventions must be rigorously examined and their underlying mechanisms for change must be understood. This pilot study examined the use of prison-based dog training programs across Washington State Department of Corrections facilities for their impacts on inmates’ infraction rates. The study also compared levels of empathy, self-efficacy, and anxiety between program participants and nonparticipants. Findings indicated that prison dog program participants’ infraction rates improved and that participants had lower levels of anxiety than nonparticipants.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring the Psychological Impacts of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs and In-Prison Outcomes for Inmates

et al. 2019

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“…Consequently, U.S. and European correctional services have proposed various efforts to combat the high levels of stress and anger in prison (Bouw et al, 2019), and heighten inmates’ awareness of the potential consequences of these and other negative emotions (Hughes & Wilson, 2018). Such measures include physical exercise (Battaglia et al, 2015; O’Toole et al, 2018; Woods et al, 2017), recreational activities (Basaran, 2016; Edgemon & Clay-Warner, 2018), and formal and informal educational programs (Flynn et al, 2020; Heard et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radio What's New? Someone Still Loves You: The Impact of Listening to Prison Radio

Einat,

Nagar

2023

The Prison Journal

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This study examines the impact of listening to prison radio on the well-being of inmates. Its main quantitative findings are that listening to the radio had no significant impact on inmates’ anxiety, anger, emotional distress, or self-esteem. The qualitative results found that listening to the radio has a positive impact on inmates’ well-being, their outlook, the atmosphere of the prison, and peer relationships. We conclude that the practice of prison radio reflects sophisticated prison administration, reducing feelings of hostility and anger on the part of the inmates and promoting trust among inmates and between them and the staff.

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“…Despite this growing evidence base in support of arts engagement and health gains in non-clinical settings, there is a dearth of research on the mental health impact of arts engagement among men, particularly men of low socioeconomic status (SES). A small number of studies reported improved mental well-being, social relationships, a sense of achievement, routine and structure among men following arts engagement ( Thomas et al ., 2011 ; Heard et al ., 2013 ; Wilkinson and Caulfield, 2017 ). However, these studies did not set out to explicitly recruit men or explore men’s experiences of the arts and were not underpinned by social constructionist theories of masculinities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Men’s mental health and the arts: perceived benefits and dynamics of engagement

O’Donnell,

Lohan,

Oliffe

et al. 2023

Health Promotion International

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Arts engagement is gaining recognition as a non-clinical approach to promote mental health and well-being. However, the perceived utility of the arts to promote mental health among men with low socioeconomic status (SES) and how to best engage them is underexplored. This study explores the lived experiences of men with low SES who engage with the arts in Northern Ireland (n = 41). Data collected via focus groups (n = 5) and interviews (n = 11) were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to inductively derive four themes. Theme 1 highlights how the arts facilitated friendship, a collective identity, peer support and a reason to socialize. Themes 2 and 3 explore how the arts enhanced self-esteem and emotional regulation by developing a routine, purpose, sense of mastery, a sense of catharsis through immersion in a soothing endeavour and an alternative outlet for self-expression. Theme 4 covers strategies that facilitate male engagement in the arts such as using a familiar space, delivering to an existing male group, framing the programme around male interests not health or creativity, building on existing strengths and capacities, enabling ownership, using tangible action-orientated activities, and being non-authoritative and flexible with delivery. This is one of the first studies to highlight the gendered dimensions in which men with low SES engage with and experience mental health benefits through arts engagement. This study points towards relevant theories to further understand the pathways between the arts and improved mental health among men which can inform development of tailored arts programmes for men.

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Shakespeare in Prison: affecting health and wellbeing

Abstract: To the best of our knowledge this is the first research of its kind and provides valuable insights into the role that theatre may play in fostering social support in the prison context.

Cited by 15 publications

References 44 publications

Measuring the Psychological Impacts of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs and In-Prison Outcomes for Inmates

Measuring the Psychological Impacts of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs and In-Prison Outcomes for Inmates

Radio What's New? Someone Still Loves You: The Impact of Listening to Prison Radio

Men’s mental health and the arts: perceived benefits and dynamics of engagement

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