An Artists Redemption: Prison Systems Approach to Creative Arts Therapy
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Benjamin Elliot
Abstract
The integration of creative arts therapies in prisons has contributed to improving socioeconomic factors beyond prison bars. The plausible explanation for this trend is increased opportunities and incentives inmates derive from educational, vocational, and creative means. Previous research has primarily relied on quantitative data to show how demographics correlate with participation and improved mental health outcomes within art-based programs. However, this neglects the purpose of investing these programs in correctional facilities nationwide. Creative arts therapies are a significant mechanism in environments that focus on rehabilitation and producing productive, well-rounded members of society. Across multiple articles, various statistics reflect recidivism rates, employment rates, and social-emotional outcomes. With the acknowledgment of cross-sectional data, connections between creative arts and rehabilitative progression within prisons can be made. This allows for a qualitative study to determine what the arts contribute to prisoners and their re-entry into society. Contrary to popular belief, inmates involved in creative arts programs are not given leniency by participating but as a means to improve their behavior. In fact, their participation allows for purposeful productivity that enhances their mental and physical well-being. Studies have suggested that incarcerated individuals often associate art programs with positive reinforcement. This focus on recovery and opportunity through artistic expression has proven motivational. Consequently, the significance of this overview depicts the social and economic benefits acquired through creative arts therapies in prisons. Keywords: socioeconomic factors, creative arts therapies in prison, rehabilitative progression, positive reinforcement, artistic expression
Start Date
27-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 9:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
An Artists Redemption: Prison Systems Approach to Creative Arts Therapy
Magnolia Ballroom
The integration of creative arts therapies in prisons has contributed to improving socioeconomic factors beyond prison bars. The plausible explanation for this trend is increased opportunities and incentives inmates derive from educational, vocational, and creative means. Previous research has primarily relied on quantitative data to show how demographics correlate with participation and improved mental health outcomes within art-based programs. However, this neglects the purpose of investing these programs in correctional facilities nationwide. Creative arts therapies are a significant mechanism in environments that focus on rehabilitation and producing productive, well-rounded members of society. Across multiple articles, various statistics reflect recidivism rates, employment rates, and social-emotional outcomes. With the acknowledgment of cross-sectional data, connections between creative arts and rehabilitative progression within prisons can be made. This allows for a qualitative study to determine what the arts contribute to prisoners and their re-entry into society. Contrary to popular belief, inmates involved in creative arts programs are not given leniency by participating but as a means to improve their behavior. In fact, their participation allows for purposeful productivity that enhances their mental and physical well-being. Studies have suggested that incarcerated individuals often associate art programs with positive reinforcement. This focus on recovery and opportunity through artistic expression has proven motivational. Consequently, the significance of this overview depicts the social and economic benefits acquired through creative arts therapies in prisons. Keywords: socioeconomic factors, creative arts therapies in prison, rehabilitative progression, positive reinforcement, artistic expression