Mindfulness and other Buddhist-derived interventions in correctional settings: a systematic review

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Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W. ORCID: 0000-0002-5648-3043, Slade, K. ORCID: 0000-0002-7442-4805 and Griffiths, M.D. ORCID: 0000-0001-8880-6524, 2013. Mindfulness and other Buddhist-derived interventions in correctional settings: a systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18 (3), pp. 356-372. ISSN 1359-1789

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2013.01.002

Abstract

Background: Throughout the last decade, there has been a growth of interest into the rehabilitative utility of Buddhist-derived interventions (BDIs) for incarcerated populations. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence for BDIs in correctional settings. Method: MEDLINE, Science Direct, ISI Web of Knowledge, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar electronic databases were systematically searched. Reference lists of retrieved articles and review papers were also examined for any further studies. Controlled intervention studies of BDIs that utilised incarcerated samples were included. Jaded scoring was used to evaluate methodological quality. PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) guidelines were followed. Results: The initial comprehensive literature search yielded 85 papers but only eight studies met all the inclusion criteria. The eight eligible studies comprised two mindfulness studies, four vipassana meditation studies, and two studies utilizing other BDIs. Intervention participants demonstrated significant improvements across five key criminogenic variables: (i) negative affective, (ii) substance use (and related attitudes), (iii) anger and hostility, (iv) relaxation capacity, and (v) self-esteem and optimism. There were a number of major quality issues. Conclusion: 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 rigour is substantially improved. Studies that can overcome the ethical issues relating to randomisation in correctional settings and employ robust randomised controlled trial designs are favoured.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Creators:

Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Slade, K. and Griffiths, M.D.

Publisher:

Elsevier

Date:

2013

Volume:

Number: