Mindfulness-Based Bibliotherapy for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Incarcerated Women
This research examines the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial of bibliotherapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among women in prison. Forty women were randomly assigned to a 5-week bibliotherapy intervention with no therapist contact or a waitlist control group. Participants w...
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| Contributors: | ; |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2025
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| In: |
Criminal justice and behavior
Year: 2025, Volume: 52, Issue: 4, Pages: 540-554 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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| Summary: | This research examines the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial of bibliotherapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among women in prison. Forty women were randomly assigned to a 5-week bibliotherapy intervention with no therapist contact or a waitlist control group. Participants were provided a workbook based on principles of mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy. Although the treatment group did not demonstrate significant symptom reduction after 5 weeks, the group did demonstrate a delayed treatment effect at 10 weeks with reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and distress as well as increased mindfulness skills. Symptoms of depression continued to decrease at the 3-month follow-up, and other treatment gains were maintained. The waitlist control group demonstrated similar gains after participating in the intervention. This study suggests that low-cost, self-help interventions may provide important opportunities for treatment access to incarcerated populations. |
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| ISSN: | 1552-3594 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00938548241313384 |
