Passport to Freedom: A Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Program for Previously Incarcerated Women.
Patty R Wilson, Emma Jagasia, Jennifer Lee, Kimberly Hill, Alexis Peay, Shawna Q Murray-browne, Kamila A Alexander, Jacqueline Campbell, Phyllis Sharps
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services June 1, 2024 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20231206-02
Summary
A promising approach to supporting formerly incarcerated women is the Passport to Freedom (P2F) program, which emphasizes trauma-informed care. In a pilot intervention with 24 participants, 84% reported practicing mindfulness techniques, and 63% felt these exercises aided in managing daily stress. Following the program, participants experienced decreased symptoms of depression and reduced everyday stress concerns. By addressing the physical and emotional impacts of poly-victimization, P2F offers valuable tools for enhancing health self-management and improving overall well-being among this vulnerable population.
Abstract
Poly-victimization is often reported by formerly incarcerated women and leads to physical and mental health problems that interfere with daily functioning, sustained employment, and housing stability. Although reentry programs exist, few focus on the physical and emotional impact of multiple traumas. Passport to Freedom (P2F), a woman-centered, trauma-informed reentry program, was developed to support formerly incarcerated women. The pilot intervention, performed in 2017, focused on the connections between trauma and health, coping with symptoms, and managing one's own health. To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention, we performed the current mixed methods study with two phases: (1) focus groups, and (2) sessions combining mindfulness and health promotion activities with follow-up evaluations. Participants (N = 24) showed decreased symptoms of depression and concerns of everyday stressors after the intervention. Of participants, 84% (n = 16) reported practicing mindfulness and 63% (n = 8) stated that mindfulness exercises helped with daily stress management. The P2F program offers a promising approach to support formerly incarcerated women with health self-management. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(6), 18-26.].