Research Article Volume 5 Issue 3 - June 2018 DOI: 10.19080/JYP.2018.05.555665 J Yoga & Physio Copyright © All rights are reserved by Nancy Wolff Improving Wellness and Reducing Stress among Incarcerated Men with Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction Programming Nancy Wolff* Distinguished Professor, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, USA Submission: May 23, 2018; Published: June 22, 2018 *Corresponding author: Nancy Wolff, Bloustein School of Planning Public Policy, Rutgers University, Office 273, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey ZIP: 08901, USA, Tel: ; Email: J Yoga & Physio 5(3): JYP.MS.ID.555665 (2018) 0062 Introduction Everyday life is stressful particularly when those days are spent detained behind bars. Prison environments are typically characterized by deprivation, dehumanization, violence, and rigidity [1]. They are also known for their uncertainty; violence could break out at any moment but also rules of order are often subjectively interpreted by staff, creating confusion about what is allowed, by whom, and when. These types of living conditions create stress and combine with the natural stress associated with being deprived of liberty and separated from people who personally care. Researchers are increasingly exploring the harmful effects of chronic stressors on health and psychological well-being. Elliot and Eisdorfer define chronic stressors as experiences that “usually pervade a person’s life, forcing him or her to restructure his or her identity or social roles” and are often characterized by instability, where “the person either does not know whether or when the challenge will end or can be certain that it will never end” [2]. Chronically activating the body’s stress-response system overwhelms the body with stress hormones, which taxes the human immune system, [3] and increases the likelihood of adverse problems, such as anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleeping disorders, and memory and concentration problems [4]. Prison is a chronic stressor. Not feeling safe where you live triggers hypervigilance and hyper-responsiveness [5]. Chronic stress also interacts with two factors associated with maladaptive coping: self-regulation -the ability to consciously moderate one’s behavior and emotions -and negative affect states -including anxiety, anger, and depression [6]. Being able to regulate thoughts, emotions, and actions translates into an ability to respond more judiciously to people, places, and things. Research, however, has found that offenders have difficulties regulating their emotions and behaviors [7], which is characterized as a dynamic, criminogenic need. In general, better self-regulation skills yield self-control abilities that more effectively manage impulsivity, goal attainment, decision making, and negative affect states. Chronic stressors, however, stimulate chemical processes within the body that promote impulse reactions and negative affectivity. Building abilities to better self-regulate and manage stress is, therefore, likely to benefit people living in prison. While there are many interventions developed to manage stress (e.g., muscle relaxation, autogenic training and biofeedback, mindfulness- based stress reduction) [8], the one that has the strongest Abstract This mixed-methods pilot study explores the effectiveness of a corrections-adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for incarcerated men who had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and completed an integrated trauma and addiction treatment program but still presented with above average levels of prison-related stress. Our inquiry explored whether a MBSR program (16, 2-hour sessions) would lower prison-related stress, PTSD-related symptoms, and symptom severity, while improving self-esteem, coping, and self- efficacy. The study included 58 men incarcerated in a maximum security prison. Participants were interviewed at baseline, end of program, and at three- and six-month post-completion, with a focus group at the conclusion of the program. An intent-to-treat analysis was conducted; change scores were computed between pre- and post-program averages for the primary, secondary, and mindfulness measures. We found that incarcerated men in our sample (a) were willing to participate in the program that included meditation and yoga; (b) were receptive to and successful at practicing the principles of mindfulness; and (c) experienced reduced PTSD symptoms and improvements in self-esteem, proactive coping skills, self-efficacy, and mental health. In general, these benefits endured over the six-month follow up period. These findings are consistent with the perspectives shared during the focus groups. In general, participants found the program helpful in reducing and managing their stress, increasing their sense of control and empowerment, building their trust in themselves and others, and expanding their sense of mastery. Keywords: Mindfulness; MBSR; Incarcerated men; Prisons