KINE 4370 Chapter 3: Reading 3 - Vipassana in Prisons
21 Dec 2017
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Meditation in a deep south prison: a longitudinal study of the effects of vipassana. Abstract: in an era marked by pronounced overcrowding, including an increasing number of offenders serving long-term sentences, correctional systems continue to search for innovative and effective treatments. Few jurisdictions have attempted non-western approaches such as meditative practice to reduce stress, conflict, and rule infractions. The current study examined the psychological and behavioral effects of intensive ten-day vipassana meditation (vm) retreats in a maximum security prison. Vm goals and practice are consistent with evidence- based methods such as cognitive behavioral treatment and risk-need-responsivity principles, as well as newer conceptions such as the good lives model. Long-term offenders were followed over a one-year period. These i(cid:374)(cid:272)luded three retreat (cid:272)ohorts (cid:894)(cid:374)(cid:1005) 4(cid:1010)(cid:1004)(cid:895) as (cid:449)ell as a(cid:374) alter(cid:374)ati(cid:448)e treat(cid:373)e(cid:374)t (cid:272)o(cid:373)pariso(cid:374) group (cid:894)(cid:374) (cid:1005) 4 (cid:1010)(cid:1011)(cid:895). Pretreatment measures assessed mindfulness, anger, emotional intelligence, and mood states. Baseline rates of prison infractions, segregation time, and health visits were also recorded.
