Julia Gajewski-Nemes, Nena Messina
Despite the alarming rates at which justice-involved individuals experience trauma, there is great hesitancy to discuss and address trauma in prison-based programs for fear of re-traumatization and decompensation. Recently, a series of studies assessed the efficacy of brief trauma-specific interventions for incarcerated men and women (Exploring Trauma and Healing Trauma, respectively). The quantitative results of these pilot studies showed positive and consistent improvement in anger, aggression, and psychological well-being across multiple facilities, varying levels of custody, and models of delivery. The current study adds to this literature by examining the corresponding qualitative data collected through participant focus groups and written feedback. Post-program feedback surveys for over 1,000 women and over 800 men and focus group summaries from 21 women and 23 men were compiled and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Participants’ feedback of the brief, trauma-specific interventions was overwhelmingly positive. They commented on the program’s structure, content, and overarching benefits. Underlying themes included appreciation for the facilitators, the safety of small groups, the ability to discuss trauma without judgment, skills to address and control anger, gaining self-respect and empathy, and healing relationships childhood wounds. Final comments included requests for more availability and more intensive trauma-based programs. The qualitative findings centralize the participants’ subjective experiences of the program, providing a more in-depth exploration into the pilot studies outcome results. The findings further suggest that justice-involved men and women with histories of trauma and abuse can heal in a custody setting if the program content addresses such histories with safety and appropriate program materials.
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