NCJ Number
144186
Date Published
1993
Length
343 pages
Annotation
Using a sample of 48 inmates housed by the San Francisco Sheriff's Department, matched by sex and race, who were randomly assigned either to the horticultural therapy project or to other New Generation Jail programs, this study examined the impact of the therapy on the inmates' self-development.
Abstract
The TCU Revised Intake and Self-Rating Forms and the TSI Life Event Questionnaire were used to gather data concerning early influences on self-development, including physical environment (noise, density, air pollution), economic and family influences (inner-city single-parent families, unemployment, and education) and traumatic life event influences (social and family violence). Assessment took place before the random assignment, at discharge, and at 3 months postrelease. The therapy emphasized place identification, environmental competency, and self-development. Analyses showed that endemic family instability and childhood abuse predicted entry into the criminal justice system as well as drug use and psychosocial dysfunction. Women and whites reported greater childhood-related problems. Results were described in terms of criminal activities, current family relations, relationships with peers, quality of relationships, problems with substance abuse, and subjects' self-ratings. The results indicated that inmates benefited from the horticultural therapy, exhibiting higher self-esteem and less depression, anxiety, and risk-taking behavior.