RESEARCH

Impacts of Conservation Activities on People who are Incarcerated: A Case Study Based on Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses

This study examined the effects of conservation activities on incarcerated individuals showing that participants experienced psychological benefits from engaging in ecological restoration projects.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Vocational

Population Groups: Corrections/Justice-Involved

Setting or Context: Jails/Prisons

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills, Community Building

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigates the impacts of conservation activities on “incarcerated citizen scientists” at the Salt Lake County Jail in Utah. Researchers used a mixed-methods approach, combining pre- and post-surveys with qualitative interviews to assess the impacts of participation. Quantitative survey data provided inconclusive results, but qualitative findings revealed that most participants reported increased knowledge about science and conservation. Additionally, approximately one-quarter of participants noted psychological benefits, such as a sense of purpose and fulfillment from contributing to the community through ecological restoration projects.

The activities included tasks related to ecological restoration and environmental science, offering hands-on experience in conservation efforts. Participants voluntarily completed surveys before and after the program to measure changes in attitudes and knowledge. The study highlights the potential for ecological restoration programs to positively impact incarcerated individuals’ well-being and education while emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaborations between ecologists and social scientists to better understand the broader impacts of such initiatives.

Link

Nadkarni, N.M., Chen, J.M., Morris, J.S. et al. (2022). Impacts of conservation activities on people who are incarcerated: A case study based on qualitative and quantitative analyses. Ecology and Society, 27(3).

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