Abstract

This pilot evaluation explored the strengths and weaknesses of a prison-based theological education program and identified elements of the program valued by participants, based on the theory that providing inmates with education while incarcerated facilitates change and transforms lives. Participants included currently and formerly incarcerated studies who completed quantitative and qualitative surveys (N = 50) and who were interviewed in focus groups (N = 15). Researchers used a thematic analysis approach to interpret the data to reveal three major themes: (1) prosocial associates; (2) prosocial cognitions; and (3) prosocial activities. Exploring both the quantitative and qualitative experiences of participants is especially important for understanding the lived experiences of individuals participating in faith-based programs Initial findings indicate that The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) faith based educational program was positively associated with participants’ prosocial thinking and behavior.

摘要

该试点评估探讨了以监狱为基础的神学教育计划的优势和劣势，并根据以下理论确定了参与者重视的计划要素，即在监禁期间为囚犯提供教育有助于改变和改变生活。参与者包括目前和以前被监禁的研究人员，他们完成了定量和定性调查（N  = 50），并在焦点小组中接受了采访（N = 15). 研究人员使用主题分析方法来解释数据以揭示三个主要主题：（1）亲社会伙伴；(2) 亲社会认知；(3) 亲社会活动。探索参与者的定量和定性体验对于理解参与基于信仰的项目的个人的生活体验尤为重要 初步研究结果表明，城市部研究所 (TUMI) 基于信仰的教育项目与参与者的亲社会思维和行为呈正相关.