NCJ Number
89944
Date Published
1983
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study compared parole outcomes for parolees who had voluntarily learned the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique while incarcerated at Folsom Prison, Deuel Vocational Institution, and San Quentin Prison in California, with parole outcomes for nonmeditating parolees.
Abstract
The parolees were matched for offense, prior commitment record, age, ethnic group, institution, and parole year. In a comparison with eight categories of parole outcomes over parole periods of 6 months, 1 year, and overall (6 months to 2 years), the TM group had significantly better parole outcomes than the control group. The TM group also had significantly cleaner parole records and less total prison recidivism (defined as parole revocations or new prison terms). A survey of regularity of TM practice yielded responses from a majority of inmates instructed who were still in prison, and most of these were still practicing the TM technique after 6 years. Tables, figures, and 25 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)