Seeking a Therapeutic Prison: Resident Desires, Staff Interactions, and Nuances in Treatment

• In Event: Seeking Safety in Prison: Promoting Institutional Wellbeing

Abstract

Carceral institutions have historically existed in a liminal space, navigating between punitive actions and rehabilitative ideals. Understanding carceral aspirations towards a therapeutic environment requires further insight into residents’ perceptions of staff interactions, which may be shaped by the broader institutional culture. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with correctional staff and residents at a medium-security institution in the United States, this study explores residents’ desire for a therapeutic environment and explores both staff and resident perspectives on the interactional dynamics that shape their daily encounters. Findings reveal that while participants believe mutual respect benefits both groups, residents often characterize staff behavior as dismissive or belittling, undermining mutual respect and support. Moreover, variations in staff-resident interactions were associated with resident coping strategies, housing units, and the designated classifications of its residents, impeding the cultivation of a therapeutic environment. The findings have practical implications for improving prison climate and culture.

Authors

• Maurice St. Matthews, University of New Haven

• Janet Garcia-Hallett, University of New Haven

• Victoria Inzana, University of Missouri-St. Louis

• Beth M. Huebner, Arizona State University

• Kelli Canada, University of Missouri

• Ashley Givens, University of Missouri