What Helped Me Transform: Reflections from San Quentin

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What Helped Me Transform: Reflections from San Quentin

Misa Christina Ikeda

IHL 6995: Integrative Seminar

Modified Thesis

Dr.Meg Jordan

5/9/2013

Abstract

This paper explores the key components to facilitating positive transformation in prisoners, by examining former studies that measure the efficacy of prison programs, first-hand accounts by former prisoners, and expert interviews in the field.

In the proposed qualitative study, 20 parolees who exited San Quentin State Prison are interviewed regarding their experiences of positive transformation. The participants are those who claim to have experienced positive transformation, and who have collectively attended the following programs: Victim Offender Education Group (VOEG), Incarcerated Men Putting Away Childish Things (IMPACT), Alliance for CHANGE, Full Circle Addiction Recovery Services, and Brother’s Keepers. Estimated findings to the study include inner conflict, being held accountable, safe space for self-inquiry, being heard, sense of intra- and inter-personal and spiritual connection, supportive relationships with those who see and encourage the realization of their full potential, and being of service to others.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Table of Contents3

Introduction4

Research Question8

Importance of Research 8

Autobiographical Statement9

Literature Review11

Methodology19

Potential Outcomes24

Discussion28

Summary31

Bibliography 33

Appendix A - Interview Questions44

Appendix B - Definition of Terms46

Appendix C - Map of the Transformation Process49

Introduction

Problem Statement

The current system of incarceration in America needs remodeling. Newspaper headlines such as “U.S. Incarceration Rate is a National Disgrace” or “The Caging of America” reveal the extent of the problem as well as the disapproval and dissatisfaction felt around the nation (Kamrany & Boyd, 2012; Gopnik, 2012). The United States has had the highest incarceration rate in the world since 2002 (Scommegna & Tsai, 2012). To compare, Italy has an incarceration rate of 92 per 100,000 people, France has 96, England 153, and the United States has 753 (Kamrany & Boyd, 2012). Although our nation houses only around 5 percent of the world’s population, it houses around 25 percent of the world’s prisoners; the U.S houses more prisoners than the top 35 European nations combined (Criminal Justice USA, 2011). Incarcerating one prisoner costs roughly $30,000 per year or more, up to $60,000 depending on the state (CBS News, 2012). At $68 billion annually, monetary spending on corrections has, astonishingly, risen six times faster than spending on higher education nationwide in the past two decades (Bloom, 2012., Gopnik, 2012). Nationally, 43.3 percent of prisoners released in 2004 returned to prison within 3 years (The Pew Charitable Trusts, 2011).

There are many interrelating factors contributing to such a dysfunctional system, including the war on drugs, racial discrimination, economic factors, illiteracy, addictions, laws such as the three strike rules and those that make it challenging for ex-prisoners to secure employment and housing, and social stigma.

Recidivism is measured by criminal acts that result in the rearrest, reconviction, or return to prison with or without a new sentence during a three-year period following the prisoner's release (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2012). Because incarceration is part of a complex societal system, recidivism rates reflect the system’s overall success at keeping ex-prisoners from returning to prison, not what takes place in prisons alone; the struggles that prisoners face when reentering society, such as social stigma and laws that make it challenging for them to secure employment and housing, also affect recidivism rates. One of the reasons why ex-prisoners return to prison may be because prison environments and activities do not support adequate transformation in prisoners. Addressing what takes place in prisons is only one part of the equation, but an important part nevertheless.

To some people, what takes place behind prison bars may seem irrelevant to the general society’s health, let alone to their own individual health and well-being. From a wholistic perspective supported by quantum physics and numerous spiritual teachings from around the world, we are all connected not only through what we recognize as matter, such as water and air, but also on an energetic level, including our thoughts and feelings (Braden, 2008). What takes place in a seemingly isolated and distant location has an impact on the rest of the world through this interconnection (Radin, 2006, p.221). David Bohm, an American physicist and Einstein’s protégé, wrote that “it will be ultimately misleading and indeed wrong to suppose, for example, that each human being is an independent actuality who interacts with other human beings and with nature. Rather, all these are projections of a single totality... (Radin, 2006, p.254).” In addition to the energetic interconnection that go beyond physical walls and metal bars of correctional facilities, the vast majority of prisoners will directly interact with the rest of us once released from prison. Through this lens, it is evident that state of prisoners’ health and wellbeing is an aspect of our society’s health and wellbeing, and ultimately influences the health and wellbeing of every one of us.

There has been increasing focus in the recent years on providing programs that aim to rehabilitate prisoners, rather than the alternative focus of punishment. The commonly expressed goal of rehabilitation is to prepare an individual to successfully reintegrate into society as law-abiding, fully functioning individuals. Numerous studies have documented various rehabilitative programs and their outcomes, ranging from Transcendental Meditation, Motivational Interviewing, art therapy, to organic gardening. A study by Austin, Williams, and Kilgour evaluates the effectiveness of “Short Motivational Programme,” an adaptation of motivational interviewing. Using a structured self-report questionnaire, offenders from two New Zealand prisons who were at high risk for recidivism were measured for their motivation to change. Results from before and after intervention showed that Short Motivational Programme, was effective at increasing motivation to change and this change was maintained 3 to 12 months after the program (Austin, Williams & Kilgour, 2011). In another study, Gussak quantitatively measured the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing depression in 48 prisoners at a medium- to maximum-security male adult prison in rural Florida, using the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) and the Beck Depression Inventory, an observational survey (Gussak, 2007). The results showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms in participants. In a multi-study review, Himelstein describes how meditation-based interventions, specifically Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and 10-day Vipassana retreats, can aide criminal offenders through enhancing psychological well-being, decreasing substance use, and decreasing recidivism (Himelstein, 2011). In a study at San Quentin State Prison, Waitkus documents both qualitative and quantitative findings on the impact of organic gardening on the physical environment and social climate of the prison yard. Results showed how the garden created community, a racially neutral and desegregated space, and instilled hope for change within and around the prisoners (Waitkus, 2004).

Despite the various studies that examine interventions that take place in prisons, none can be found that seek to identify the common factors that support positive transformation in a prison environment. Additionally, relying on recidivism rates as the main source of measurement for efficacy, as many studies do, can be problematic. Recidivism may not be the best measure of in-prison rehabilitative programs, as other factors outside of prison life influence successful reintegration after release, such as challenges in finding sufficient income and housing, or difficulty in finding compassionate community and human connection. For instance, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute reports the important role of housing in preventing re-offending (Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, 2004). Intriguingly, both Wormith and Wilkinson have published studies that show a negative correlation between attitudinal change and recidivism (Wilkinson, 2005; Wormith, 1984). There may be a number of reasons for this, including validity of measurements used, the fact that attitudinal change may not be enough to keep former prisoners to returning, as well as multiple influences from society that affect recidivism. It is inadequate to rely on recidivism as a way to evaluate positive transformation that occurs in prisons. There is a need for a study that looks at multiple in-prison programs to identify the common features amidst the successful programs and prison environments. Furthermore, there is a need for a qualitative study that asks prisoners directly what components of in-prison programs and prison life serve their rehabilitation.

Research Question

The central purpose of this qualitative study will be to identify the components in the prison environment that enabled positive transformation in prisoners at San Quentin State Prison in California. At this stage in the research, positive transformation will be defined as “a dynamic, uniquely individualized process of expanding consciousness whereby individuals become critically aware of old and new self-views and choose to integrate these views into a new self-definition” (Wade, 1998). Positive transformation in prisoners will be defined as a prisoner gaining sufficient inner-awareness which, if faced with similar scenarios as those that had led to his conviction, would enable him to know how to and to choose to make better decisions.

The research question of this study is: What factors were essential in assisting positive transformation in prisoners at San Quentin State Prison? Subquestions are: Did the rehabilitative programs help facilitate this process, or were there other factors in the prison environment that did so? What were the specific aspects of the programs or general prison environment that facilitated positive transformation in prisoners?

Importance of Research

This study is approached through a prisoner advocacy lens. Identifying essential components that facilitate positive transformation in prisoners can assist the creation of emerging prison programs. The findings may also help improve existing ones, by weeding out components that are not as beneficial and bringing more emphasis to those that are important. The results of the study may also guide the direction of future policies regarding the programs offered to prisoners and the prison environments in general. Additionally, evaluation questions for prison programs or prison environments may incorporate the findings of this study to test for optimal support of transformative experiences in prisoners. People who may directly benefit from the findings of this study include prisoners, former prisoners, friends and families of prisoners, prison staff and other correctional officers, policy makers, people who design prisons, and people who design and implement prison programs. Assuming that the study helps increase the occurrence of positive transformation that takes place in prisons, all taxpayers will likely benefit from a more effective correctional system. Those who come in contact with ex-prisoners will likely appreciate interacting with positively transformed people. From a quantum physics perspective, all living beings may ultimately benefit on an energetic level by increased positive energy and less negative energy.

Autobiographical Statement

As a researcher, my personal interests play a role in guiding the research process. Being a Master’s student in Integrative Health Studies and informed by the process of integrative wellness coaching, I value inner-knowing and self-responsibility for growth and change, and am interested to hear subjective accounts of prisoners regarding their experiences of transformation. I am motivated by the opportunity to give voices to the under-supported and socially stigmatized. I desire to improve the prison system in America by creating transformative opportunities and environments, not only on behalf of those imprisoned but for the health of the society at large.

I excel at playing devil’s advocate, and rather than it being a negative feature, I find that this quality of mine can be quite helpful in the context of seeing prisoners as human beings with beautiful potential, often not given adequate support to blossom. I am motivated to support positive transformation in even those who have committed atrocious crimes. It is my belief, informed by experience, that people who cause harm are often wounded people who need healing, not punishment; it is important to hold people accountable to their actions while providing the tools for them to process the root of their actions in meaningful way.

My viewpoint is influenced by the time spent engaging in success stories of transformation taking place in prison, and networking with others who are involved in improving the prison system. My personal biases are that some of the programs being offered in prisons can facilitate positive transformation, that there is much improvement needed in prisons across the nation, and that more consistency in prisoner transformation will lessen social stigma, thus reducing recidivism. Despite my passion, the relative newness and inexperience in this pursuit brings curiosity and an open mind to the exploration.

I have recently begun volunteering with the Insight Garden Program that takes place at San Quentin State Prison. My familiarity with this particular program, connections with other programs on site, and the prison itself can help in a few ways. Locating and contacting parolees is notoriously a challenge, as there is often instability in their lives and thus numerous changes in address, jobs, or phone number if they have one. Although the programs offered in prison are geared towards helping prisoners onsite, it is rare that all connections are severed post-release. In addition to providing possible guidance in connecting with the parolees, having some awareness of prison life at San Quentin and experience of working with the prisoners may help build trust and rapport with the parolees and boost participation rates as well as bring ease to the interviewing process. Unlike backyard research, this beginning level of familiarity will likely not challenge my role to disclose information or raise difficult power issues, as suggested by Creswell (Creswell, 2009).

Literature Review

The following literature review will address sources that relate to the research question in a number of ways. There are sources that document transformation as a phenomenon, unrelated to correctional facilities. There are numerous studies on prison environments and rehabilitative programs that discuss their success and failures, some of which specifically focus on results showing transformation. Finally, there are published personal accounts around one’s transformational experiences in prison that fall outside of academic research that are nonetheless significant to this paper.

In her journal article, A Concept Analysis of Personal Transformation, Gail Holland Wade documents the various definitions of transformation as observed and utilized in the fields of behavioral sciences, education, health sciences, as well as a dictionary definition. She integrates her literature review with concepts from Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness to define personal transformation as a dynamic, uniquely individualized process of expanding consciousness whereby an individual becomes critically aware of old and new self-views and chooses to integrate these views into a new self-definition. It is a complex, multidimensional and expanding spiral process, broken down into an interplay between antecedents, critical elements and consequences. The antecedent is a disorienting dilemma that precedes personal transformation, in which a problematic ‘cognitive and affective meaning’ construct conflicts with one’s perspective and creates a painful, threatening and challenging opportunity for reflection and expansion of consciousness. The dilemma invites active participation from the subject, at which point the process continues - with the possible assistance and intervention from another person, or the transformative process is halted. The process can be slow and gradual, or rapid and dramatic. Critical elements refer to the release of old perspectives and the integration of new ways of knowing. Consequences include feelings of excitement, satisfaction and freedom, and possibly sadness from losing the old self. Although the experience of transformation propels one to continue expanding in consciousness and is a journey without a final destination, there is a distinct and irreversible shift in perspective; one never returns to the old paradigm. Transformation raises one’s sense of freedom, creativity, and ability to handle stress (Wade, 1998, p.713-719). This study confirms the benefits of conducting a qualitative interview for the purposes of this paper, as transformation is much about inner awareness. In his article Self-Renewal Personal Transformation Following Extreme Trauma, Jaffe examines the process of self-renewal, the creative restructuring of the self that may follow painful and disconfirming personal crisis of illness or other extreme personal trauma. The model describes the complex processes observed during self-renewal, including the self-definition as a person taking an active role, the presence of a deep relationship to others, and the role of being a public witness concerning issues raised by the struggle (Jaffe, 1985). Many prisoners have experienced varying degrees and amounts of trauma in their lives leading to incarceration, and for some, life in prison can be a traumatic experience.

In a study of narrative inquiry, McDonald explored the positive change and transformations that happen suddenly and abruptly. Through the tales of 4 adults in New Zealand and Australia who had each had a self-identified epiphany. One of the characteristics of their epiphanic experiences was the change and transformation that took place in the way they viewed themselves and their world. Participants negotiated the existential dilemmas in their lives, using them to redefine their self-identities, testifying to the power of human freedom and choice in triggering positive transformations. Their stories reflect childhood trauma and/or deprivation, similar to many prisoners. McDonald notes the extraordinary resources that the participants called on to make positive lifelong changes during their sudden and abrupt processes. He suggests that positive change and transformation may be triggered by opportunities for participants to reflect on the fundamental conditions of existence and the manner in which they encounter and negotiate these givens of life, and that these opportunities need not be necessarily sudden and abrupt, but can happen through other, less intensive forms of personal development, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, outdoor education (such as Outward Bound), and career development and counseling (McDonald, 2008, p.112).