NCJ Number
172069
Journal
American Jails Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1997) Pages: 28-30,32-36
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This review of literature on the impacts of religion and religious commitment on mental and physical health concludes that religion might have similar benefits in corrections and that religious volunteers and programs represent an obvious, untapped, and highly cost-effective resource to correctional administrators.
Abstract
Extensive empirical data document the beneficial effect of religious commitment on health, mental health, and clinical well-being. Additional studies of religion have generally indicated that greater religious commitment is inversely related to indicators of crime and deviance. The limited data available also suggest that religion might enhance inmates' adjustment to prison by helping them deal with the emotional stresses and social and emotional deprivation of incarceration. Limited and tentative data also suggest that reduced recidivism may be an important byproduct of religious commitment. Religious programs provide social support, enhance coping strategies, and offer many other benefits. Therefore, it is recommended that correctional administrators encourage religious programming by supporting the involvement of volunteers. Administrators should also establish mechanisms to monitor and require training for volunteers related to contraband and other institutional issues, and establish mechanisms to gather data on religious variables in relation to outcomes. Illustrations