Mindfulness and Other Buddhist-Derived Interventions in Correctional Settings: A Systematic Review
By Edo Shonin, William Van Gordon, Karen Slade, and Mark D. Griffiths
8 pagesThe eight eligible studies comprised two mindfulness studies, four vipassana meditation studies, and two studies utilizing other Buddhist-Derived Interventions. Intervention participants demonstrated significant improvements across five key criminogenic variables: (i) negative affect, (ii) substance use (and related attitudes), (iii) anger and hostility, (iv) relaxation capacity, and (v) self-esteem and optimism. There were, however, a number of major quality issues. It is concluded that BDIs may be feasible and effective rehabilitative interventions for incarcerated populations. However, if the potential suitability and efficacy of BDIs for prisoner populations is to be evaluated in earnest, it is essential that methodological rigor is substantially improved.