title: The practice of positive criminology: a Vipassana course in prison.
abstract: Positive criminology is a new term for a perspective associated with theories and models that relate to socially inclusive, positively experienced influences that assist individuals in desisting or refraining from criminal and deviant behavior. A qualitative phenomenological study of prisoners who were in recovery from substance dependency and who participated in a Vipassana course in a rehabilitative prison introduces features of positive criminology. A total of 22 male prisoners participated in a 10-day Vipassana course run by volunteers in prison. Deep interviews were conducted with participants before, immediately after, and 3 to 4 months after the course. The findings describe components of positive criminology that had meaningful impact on the prisoners in rehabilitation: perceived goodness, positive relationship with the prison staff, positive social atmosphere, and overcoming an ordeal. Implications for practice and further research are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. roneln@biu.ac.il
authors.forename: Natti
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ronel
authors.forename: Noa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Frid
authors.forename: Uri
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Timor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003415:Crime / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D028681:Moral Obligations; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012938:Social Perception; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055815:Young Adult