title: Evaluation of Geese Theatre's Re-Connect program: addressing resettlement issues in prison.
abstract: This study examined the impact of Geese Theatre's Re-Connect program on a sample of offenders who attended it. This program used theatre performance, experiential exercises, skills practice role-plays, and metaphors such as the masks to invite a group of offenders to consider and explore issues connected with their release and reconnecting with a life outside prison. Pre- and postprogram psychometric tests, behavior ratings, and interviews were completed to assess the effectiveness of the program. Significant changes were observed from pre- to posttreatment in terms of self-efficacy, motivation to change, and improved confidence in skills (i.e., social and friendship, occupational, family and intimacy, dealing with authority, alternatives to aggression or offending, and self-management and self-control skills). Improved behavior and engagement within the program was observed over the 3 days of the program. Interviews also revealed the positive impact the program had on the participants. This provides evidence supporting the short-term effectiveness of the Re-Connect program.
authors.affiliation: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. l.harkins@bham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Leigh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harkins
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pritchard
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haskayne
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Anthony R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Beech
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D057189:Checklist; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003417:Criminal Psychology; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D019365:Metaphor; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons; D011340:Problem Solving; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D011577:Psychodrama / Q000379:methods*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012381:Role Playing; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D012951:Socialization; D006113:United Kingdom; D014852:Wales; D055815:Young Adult