A Theoretical Framework and Quantitative Evaluation of Jail Guitar Doors, USA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33009/fsop_ijci140424Keywords:
songwriting in prisons, guitar, life effectiveness skills, desistanceAbstract
The authors examined two Jail Guitar Doors (JGD) programs in adult men’s facilities. Using 41 matched pre- and post-surveys, the authors completed descriptive and comparative analyses including ANOVA and t-tests. Results indicated 93% of respondents very much enjoyed JGD classes, 89% reported less stress, 83% reported they worked better with other incarcerated individuals, 80% wanted to learn new skills, 58% wanted to change their lives, and 53% were curious. Four of six life effectiveness variables had significantly positive increases at the end of the eight-week sessions: Intellectual Flexibility, Emotional Control, Self-confidence, and Social Competence. Two variables with negative outcomes were Time Management and Achievement Motivation.
The four theoretical frameworks that undergird this study were cognitive behavioral theory, interactions among feelings, thoughts, and behaviors; social capital theory, cooperation, relationship building, and social trust; social learning theory, learning social roles, fulfilling performance expectations, and developing personal style and identity and desistance.
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