Quantifying the effects of a resocialization project for prisoners – The resocialization project „MS Carmen“
Qualitative studies have shown positive effects of theater projects conducted as measures of resocialization in the penal system on participants. The present evaluation study presents a quantitative evaluation of a musical theater project with respect to changes in participants’ core self-evaluation, their affect, and future prospects compared to a control group. In addition, we wanted to test whether prisoners who identified more strongly with the project would benefit more from participation. In total, 51 prisoners participated in two data collections at the start and end of the project. Significant differences were found between the project group and the control group in core self-evaluation (p = 0,024) and negative affectivity after the project (p = 0,03): Members of the project group reported higher self-efficacy and less negative moods at the end of the project. Moreover, participants of the project who identified strongly with it, also reported more positive mood (r = .68), positive self-evaluation (r = .51) and a positive view of future prospects (r = .47) at the end of the project. Thus, the present study attests to the positive effects of resocialization projects of this kind. Future studies should examine the sustainability of these effects.
Veröffentlicht
Wolff, M., Rohrmann, S. & van Dick, R. (2013). Quantifying the effects of a resocialization project for prisoners - The resocialization project "MS Carmen". British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 14, 83-92.
