Addressing Trauma Through a Prison-Based Healing Arts Workshop: Preliminary Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial

• In Event: Healing and Resilience Behind Bars

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of trauma among incarcerated populations and growing interest in arts-based interventions, few trauma-informed arts programs in correctional settings have been rigorously evaluated. This study addresses this gap through a pilot randomized controlled trial of the Just Detention International Healing Arts Workshop for incarcerated survivors of trauma that is being conducted in two California prisons. Utilizing a waitlist comparison group, the study examines the impact of this 8–12-session workshop on multiple intermediate outcomes, including self-efficacy, hope, problem-solving, motivation to change, resilience, interpersonal trust, wellbeing, emotional regulation, mental health, and social connectedness. Data collection includes pre- and post-program surveys utilizing validated measures such as the Intermediate Outcomes Measurement Instrument (IOMI), Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-18), Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-R), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Preliminary findings from the trial will be presented, along with lessons learned from delivering an arts-based trauma intervention in a correctional setting. The value of incorporating arts programming into trauma-responsive correctional frameworks will also be discussed.

Authors

• Stacy Calhoun, University of California, Los Angeles

• Lincoln Bohn, University of California, Los Angeles