The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders. Meta-analytic techniques were applied to 26 empirical studies that used a treatment group versus a control group. The outcome measures assessed in this study included institutional adjustment, anger, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relations, locus of control, and self-esteem. The results indicate that positive treatment effects were found for the use of group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders across all outcomes. Supplemental analyses were also included to identify factors that contribute to the efficacy of group psychotherapy and indicate that the use of homework exercises resulted in significantly improved outcomes. Furthermore, participants mandated to treatment did not negatively influence the efficacy of group psychotherapy. Quantitative research synthesis, or meta-analysis, is a set of statistical procedures that allow empirical research from many sources (e.g., research articles) to be integrated for the purpose of creating generalizations (Glass, 1976). Metaanalytic reviews have been frequently utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of correctional programs and to identify what types of treatment programs work with offenders (e.g., Andrews et al., 1990; Lipsey, 1990; Losel, 1995); however, none of these reviews have focused specifically on the use of group psychotherapy with offenders. Group psychotherapy became increasingly popular as a treatment approach with incarcerated offenders in the 1950s because “group therapy has shown itself to be of real institutional value” (Abrahams & McCorkle, 1946, p. 464), and, currently, approximately 20% of male inmates in state correctional facilities receive group psychotherapy services (Morgan, Winterowd, & Ferrell, 1999). Unfortunately, the increased use of group psychotherapy in the past 50 years has not resulted in a parallel increase in research regarding the efficacy of its use. In fact, only 16% of mental health departments in state correctional facilities conduct group psychotherapy research (Morgan, Winterowd, & Ferrell, 1999). Thus, questions regarding the effectiveness of group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders remain unanswered.

Group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders: A research synthesis.

With the increasing rise in the U.S. prison population, meeting the mental health needs of inmates before, during, and after incarceration remains an obstacle. What are the mental health experiences of inmates? For what types of problems are inmates willing to seek help, and what are the barriers to their service utilization? This study investigated inmates' attitudes and perceptions toward mental health services and examined whether these attitudes and perceptions vary with respect to ethnic group membership or among inmates of differing security levels. Implications of these findings for psychologists, including psychologists not employed in correctional settings, are highlighted.

Inmate Perceptions of Mental Health Services

A national survey of group psychotherapy services in correctional facilities

The dynamics of power in psychotherapy.

This article discusses the application of interpersonal process-oriented group psychotherapy to offender populations. Group psychotherapy with offenders presents problems not encountered with other populations; thus, applying the group method requires special considerations. The particular focus of this article is on the relevance of therapeutic factors in group work with offenders, group process as it applies to work with offenders, and work with difficult clients.

Interpersonal Process-Oriented Group Psychotherapy with Offender Populations

This article addresses difficult and unique problems in psychotherapy within the framework of a correctional setting. An apparent lack of success in such endeavors is reviewed in some detail. Barriers to therapeutic efforts within the prison setting are enumerated and reference is made to obstacles in the therapeutic alliance between psychotherapist and prison inmate. Current research suggests the value of a treatment model based on differential diagnosis and the matching of therapist and prison inmate. The need for further research on overcoming identified barriers, developing and adapting therapeutic approaches, and effectively matching inmates to them is emphasized.

Psychotherapy in Correctional Settings

A time limited therapy group in a minimum security correctional facility was led by a highly experienced psychologist volunteer, resulting in a number of positive changes in the participants. Pre-post MMP1 testing showed a reduction of suspicion and distrust, as well as positive indications of personal growth and increased maturity. Analysis of post-group interviews suggested that this group experience reduced anxiety, increased feelings of self-acceptance and self-worth; it helped the members deal better with common mutual problems such as family relationships and an unforeseen crisis situation.

Time Limited Group Therapy in Minimum Security

The article takes a critical and constructive view of programs in prisons It addresses the need to avoid the traditional split between treatment and security staff A three pronged approach is proposed in which administration, security and treatment staff share in joint efforts to maintain a constructive program for prisoners who are close to the completion of their prison sentence Emphasis is placed on the importance of the officer to serve as role model Details for the selection and use of group and individual therapy are discussed Emphasis is placed on the importance of administrative support in allphases of the program

Rudolf E. Mathias

Papers

Psychotherapy in Correctional Settings

Time Limited Group Therapy in Minimum Security

Programs for Prisons: Nihilism or Pragmatic Planning