The Impact of an Expressive Writing and Storytelling Program on Ex-Offenders: A Pilot Study

While storytelling or expressive writing has been studied in prisoners, little is known about the impact of these art interventions on ex-offenders. This study aims to evaluate a 6-week expressive writing and storytelling program in a group of nine ex-offenders who attend a peer support group. Quant...

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VerfasserInnen: Kartikaningsih, Ndaru (Verfasst von) ; Lawson, Kelley (Verfasst von) ; Mayhan, Maddy (Verfasst von) ; Spears, Emery (Verfasst von) ; Chew, Olivia (Verfasst von) ; Green, Salaam (Verfasst von) ; Tucker, Sarah C. (Verfasst von) ; Kirklin, Kimberly (Verfasst von) ; Yuen, Hon K. (Verfasst von)
Medienart: Elektronisch Aufsatz
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 2025
In: International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology
Jahr: 2025, Band: 69, Heft: 13/14, Seiten: 1843-1859
Online-Zugang: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Verfügbarkeit prüfen: HBZ Gateway
Schlagwörter:
Program Evaluation
Peer support
Personal Narratives
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:While storytelling or expressive writing has been studied in prisoners, little is known about the impact of these art interventions on ex-offenders. This study aims to evaluate a 6-week expressive writing and storytelling program in a group of nine ex-offenders who attend a peer support group. Quantitative data, including psychological recovery, well-being, hope, social support, and loneliness, was collected at baseline and post-program. Individual interviews were conducted at post-program. Results revealed a significant increase in participants’ psychological recovery as measured by the Recovery Assessment Scale-revised at post-program with an effect size of 0.56. Three themes about participation in the program emerged: safe space for processing and expressing inner feelings, relating to and connecting with peers, and adjusting the way of thinking. Findings showed this program has the potential to improve ex-offenders’ psychological recovery, and provide them with skills to desist from crime and be better serve as peer support workers.
ISSN:1552-6933
DOI:10.1177/0306624X231188228