Indiana Prison Writers Workshop: The Power of Group Cohesion and Creative Expression among Incarcerated Individuals

Authors

Lindamarie Olson, University of Alabama - TuscaloosaFollow
Debra Des Vignes, Indiana Prison Writers WorkshopFollow
Amy McLean, University of AlabamaFollow
Bailey Wester, University of AlabamaFollow
Uche Nwatu, University of AlabamaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0002-6312-6829

Keywords

creative writing; arts programs; incarcerated settings; group cohesion

Abstract

Objective: The present study describes the development of the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop (IPWW), a creative writing workshop, based in group theory and designed for incarcerated settings. Methods: Quantitative evaluation data from IPWW workshops conducted from 2023-2024 were analyzed using IBM SPSS V. 29. Prior to the workshop, 149 men responded to questions on class expectations and goals, and 115 men responded at workshop conclusion. Open-ended qualitative responses from post-workshop data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Quantitative data demonstrates the effectiveness of IPWW in teaching writing skills and reflects participants’ agreement that the workshops provide opportunities to share their work and receive feedback from peers and the facilitator. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data: 1) self-expression, 2) skill development, 3) self-reflection, 4) perspective, and 5) therapeutic. Conclusions: We discuss how these results influence group cohesion among incarcerated men and explore implications for future research and IPWW program development.

Author Bio

1. Lindamarie Olson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama. Dr. Olson's research focuses on trauma and mental health among justice-involved populations.

2. Debra Des Vignes is a former journalist and founder of Indiana Prison Writers Workshop.

3. Amy McLean is an Instructor and Distance Online Coordinator in the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama. Amy is a facilitator for IPWW and has led all three versions of the IPWW curriculum.

4. Bailey Wester is a MSW student at the University of Alabama. Bailey is dedicating her social work career to working with justice-involved populations.

5. Uche Nwatu is a PhD student at the University of Alabama.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25771/y2d4-vx42