Journal Critique - Book Report/Review Example

The paper seeks to critique a journal article en d “Houses of Healing: A Group Intervention for Grieving Women in Prison” by Ginette G. Ferszt etal. (2009). the study sought to investigate the psychosocial (anxiety, depression, self-esteem) and spiritual well-being of female inmates. PurposeThere has been phenomenal growth in the number of female prisoners during the last two decades. However, little research has focused on the well-being of female prisoners given that they face complex stressors compared to their male counterparts (Ferszt, 2009).

the purpose of the study is to examine the impact of a Houses of Healing program on the psychosocial (anxiety, depression, self-esteem) and spiritual well-being of grieving incarcerated women. The author is attempting to answer questions related to the aspect of why incarcerated women are often victims of psychological problems like anxiety and depression. MethodThe study utilised both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from the participants in the study. The sample size of 36 (21 in the intervention group, 15 in thecomparison group) was involved in the study.

These were recruited from a north-eastern women’s medium-security correctional facility and the participants were aged between 19 and 49 years. Semi structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data while The Beck Depression Inventory–II was used to diagnose depression. The Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSE) was used to measure self esteem while The Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) was used to measure spirituality and Anxiety was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS).

Consent was sought from all the participants as a procedure for undertaking the study. Questionnaires were administered to all participants as well. Findings/ResultsAll participants in the study had positive experiences and they felt that it acted as a catalyst for them towards self discovery. The study helped them to open up and they could discuss painful feelings freely. The results also indicated decreased anxiety and depression scores among the participants as compared to their previous state.

Spirituality also increased while the majority of participants indicated that they had gained confidence in themselves such that they can use the knowledge gained to cope with life once out of prison. The participants also described increased accountability and responsibility for their actions which also made them aware of their difficult situations as well as measures to cope with them in future. DiscussionThere is evidence from the study that the involvement of women in prison in the Houses ofHealing program.

Participants have significantly contributed towards producing positive outcomes. The participants have reported improved psychological well-being, increased self-esteem, increased hopefulness, a greater capacity to deal with emotions as well as other stressors. Overall, this program produced positive results for all the participants. Implications for Multi-cultural CounselingIntervention is significant in as far as psychological and spiritual problems of the inmates are concerned. The counsellors have a pivotal role to play given that they should meaningfully engage the affected people in dialogue such that they can get to the crux of the problem.

This will also help them to find lasting solutions that can improve the welfare of the participants. RecommendationsIt has been recommended that a research study examining effects over time, in prison and after release, with a larger sample would be ideal. The main reason is that there are varying issues that can affect the emotions as well as mental state of the inmates hence the need to perform the study again when they are out. References Ferszt, G.G. et al. (2009). “Houses of Healing: A Group Intervention for Grieving Women in Prison.

” The Prison Journal. Volume 89 Number 1. 46-64.