Analyzing Prison Yoga Programming for Women Inmates: A Longitudinal Inquiry through Mixed-Methods and Participatory Partnerships

Abstract

This study follows a year of mixed methods research that was conducted in partnership with Yoga Behind Bars and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The following study examines the utilization of yoga practices and observed trends with female inmates. While past research has produced groundbreaking work regarding the positive impact of inmate yoga practice and the noted decrease in recidivism rates and prison community conflicts (Bhushan, 1998; Landau & Gross, 2008; Rucker, 2005), the nature of perceived personal transformation for participants and its practical programmatic implications have not been extensively researched, particularly in the case of a female population.

This longitudinal study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative journal entries. Results suggest that after attending five or more classes, student focus shifts from the physical benefits of the yoga practice to the practical application and improvement of interpersonal relationships, including improved interactions with corrections officers.