Nurse-led mind-body relaxation intervention in prison: A multiperspective mixed-method evaluation

Abstract

Background: Mind-body relaxation techniques are complementary or alternative to medication to manage high stress and anxiety levels in prisons.

Purpose: To assess the motivation to attend and perceived benefits of a nurse-led group relaxation intervention in prison, investigate the experience of participants, prison officers, and health professionals, and identify improvements.

Method: Exploratory study was conducted in a post-trial facility in Switzerland using a multiperspective convergent parallel mixed method drawing from participatory action research principles.

Findings: Reasons for attendance included back problems, mental tension, physical fitness, relaxation, and sleep problems. Perceived benefits comprised autonomy in self-practice, decreased physical tensions and anxiety, and improvement of sleep and physical fitness. Qualitative findings converged highlighting the importance of body-centering, relaxation as an alternative to medication, negative representations about relaxation sessions (useless, effeminate), and recommendations for improvement, including audio-visual support for self-practice.

Discussion: Long-standing mind-body relaxation interventions led by nurses in groups may offer participants a beneficial and operationally feasible complement to stress management in prisons.

Keywords: Group intervention; Mind-body relaxation; Mixed-method approach; Participatory action research; Prison; Stress.