Poster #180 - Reducing Risk, Observing Change: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Prison Fellowship Academy™ Impacts on Participant Well-Being

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

The Prison Fellowship Academy™ is a year-long residential program for prisoners designed to instill pro-social values, life skills, and cognitive-behavioral skills. Evaluators sought to understand the Academy’s impact on participants’ well-being and criminogenic risk factors. The study used a convergent parallel and explanatory sequential design to analyze quantitative pre- and post-test data from 30 Academy classes at 16 facilities in 11 states from 2021 to 2024 (n= 603 to 622); qualitative survey data were analyzed from 14 of those 30 classes (446 baseline and 276 graduate surveys). Analysis of assessment results showed positive and statistically significant improvements across eight dimensions, as measured by Texas Christian University’s Criminal Thinking Scales (TCU-CTS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). There were very substantial improvements in power orientation (60% of participants), personal irresponsibility (56%), criminal rationalization (55%), and justification (53%); substantial improvements in levels of stress (51%), depression (45%), and entitlement (38%); and small improvements in anxiety (43%). Qualitative analysis revealed that community and a desire for self-actualization were key drivers for program participation, and that themes of control, violence, and a generalized desire for wisdom decreased over time, while themes of reciprocity/mutuality, trustworthiness, and specific skills became more prevalent and salient.

Authors

• Angela King, Prison Fellowship Ministries

• Michael Denhof, Meridian University / Prison Fellowship