Logotherapy in prison

Psychotherapy

May 2021

Full Citation

Whiddon, M. F. (1983). Logotherapy in prison. In International Forum for Logotherapy. Viktor Frankl Inst of Logotherapy.

Abstract

Treated 115 male prisoners with logotherapy over 18 mo. 20 Ss (most aged 27-33 yrs) participated in the 1st logotherapy group. Ss met 3 hrs/night, 3 nights/wk for 24 wks. The logotherapy program, designed to assist incarcerated adults in finding a purpose in their lives that might lead to rehabilitation, was based on exercises to help Ss become aware of their resources and values. Socratic dialog was used extensively to help Ss discover meaning for themselves. The program consisted of 5 phases: psychoeducational training in the principles of logotherapy, expansion of self-awareness, restructuring of self-esteem, de-reflection toward values/societal implications, and development of personal meaning and goals for the future. Results were based on reports of life meaning, behavior during the group, and a 2-yr follow-up on the presence or absence of criminal life-styles. All Ss' scores on a purpose-in-life test improved after the training. Group cohesion developed to the point that Ss spontaneously requested to be able to be housed together. Ss were moved to a unit where they developed a self-governing therapeutic community that functioned without guards for 18 mo. Of 9 Ss released from prison, 8 showed no indications of a criminal life-style. The case of a 28-yr-old serving time for robbery and kidnapping is presented. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)