The Effects of Emotional Literacy Programs on Inmates’ Empathy, Mindfulness, and Self-Regulation: A Random-Effect Meta-Analysis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-16-2021

Publication Title

Prison Journal

Volume

101

Issue

3

First page number:

262

Last page number:

285

Abstract

Applying a random-effect meta-analysis, the current study examines previous empirical findings about three main purposes of Emotional Literacy (EL) correctional programs: improving empathy, mindfulness, and self-regulation among inmate populations. A total of 22 programs in 15 studies in Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the US are analyzed. Results suggest that EL programs significantly improve levels of empathy, mindfulness, and self-regulation, although a possibility of publication bias is observed. Based on these findings, this study concludes that EL programs retain a potential as an effective rehabilitation strategy and should be sought and implemented in U.S. correctional settings.

Keywords

Emotional literacy program; Empathy; Meta-analysis; Mindfulness; Rehabilitation; Self-regulation

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Language

English

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