NCJ Number
226618
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 228-244
Date Published
April 2009
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Using semistructured interviews with 63 inmates who had experienced a religious conversion in prison, this study identified the procedures they used to maintain their new religiously based self-concepts.
Abstract
The analysis of inmate narratives about their conversions found that a religious epiphany was not in and of itself sufficient to accomplish lasting change. Inmates recognized that they needed the continuing support of others if they were to stay on the right track in the prison environments. Their narratives suggest that they relied on various social support mechanisms in order to keep themselves focused and inspired. A pervasive theme in the narratives is the importance of associating with the right people. They gave high priority to surrounding themselves with religiously like-minded others. The inmates believed that if they could surround themselves with other “saints,” both inside and outside of prison, they would be less likely to experience an erosion of their religious experience. One benefit of their religious experiences was that they found common ground with family members and friends who had similar religious experiences. The inmates gave a great deal of importance to spending time in group religious activities, including regular chapel services, group studies of scripture, group prayer, and group discussion of ways to maintain their faith. Through their group experiences, inmates also learned how to use their time alone as “quiet time” that was spent in personal reflection on what they had learned in their group activities. In facilitating this understanding of how inmates retain their faith-based identities, 63 indepth interviews were conducted at Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, MS, between 2002 and 2003. Participants were recruited by staff chaplains at the facility. Each interview was audio-recorded and lasted between 45 and 90 minutes. 30 references