Yoga in Correctional Settings: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The current and ongoing mental health crisis in jails and prisons continues to be ignored. There is so much that needs to be done in order to address the needs of inmates. Because it is hard to find the right funding and resources to implement therapy for every individual there is a cost-effective alternative, yoga. This review will (1) introduce the mental health crises in jails and prisons, (2) define what yoga is, (3) describe the eight limbs of yoga in detail and connect their importance to correctional settings, (4) explain the mental health benefits that yoga has, (5) investigate the studies on yoga in correctional settings, (6) examine recidivism rates among those who have completed yoga programs, and (7) understand the positive effects that yoga has on rehabilitation. This review finds that yoga is a cost-effective alternative to therapy within correctional settings, not only are there benefits with mental health, spirituality, and self-actualization when in such programs, but yoga also has demonstrated many benefits for offenders after leaving prison and is shown to lower recidivism rates.