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...
| Authors: | ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2025
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| In: |
International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology
Year: 2025, Volume: 69, Issue: 13/14, Pages: 1843-1859 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Keywords: |
| Summary: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 1552-6933 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/0306624X231188228 |
