Insight to wellbeing: a pilot randomized trial of a 3 principles intervention to the alleviation of psychological suffering among incarcerated women

Abstract

Objective Evidence suggests incarcerated individuals have high rates of mental health difficulties, and that incarcerated women face greater trauma-related than incarcerated males. The current study investigated efficacy of an acceptance-based, insight-oriented treatment approach to alleviate mental health challenges in incarcerated women. Method Incarcerated females (N = 90) were recruited from a medium security facility and were randomized to either the treatment condition (n = 49) or a waitlist control (n = 41). Emotion dysregulation, psychological inflexibility, global mental health, and trauma symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-course, and 6-month follow-up. Results A significant main effect of treatment was found for all primary outcomes at post-course and 6-month follow-up. Results yielded significant mean differences between time points for the treatment condition for all primary outcomes from baseline to post-course, and baseline to 6-month follow-up. Conclusion Results suggest the acceptance-based, insight-oriented treatment approach is efficacious for incarcerated women. A purposed mechanism of the intervention is discussed.