Effects of Spiritually Oriented Group Counseling on Prisoners’ Well-Being, Hope, and Forgiveness

Purpose: This study investigated the effectiveness of a 10-week positive psychology-based, spiritually oriented group counseling program on male prisoners’ well-being, hope, and forgiveness. Methods: Using a pretest–posttest control group design between June and August 2024, 28 participants were assigned to intervention ( n = 14) and control ( n = 14) groups at Istanbul open correctional institution. Data were collected via PERMA Well-Being, Hope, and Heartland Forgiveness scales. Results: Quantitative results showed significant increases in well-being ( p = .048, d = 0.68) and hope ( p = .037, d = 0.72) within the experimental group, but not forgiveness ( p > .05). However, compared to the control group, these differences were not statistically significant. Conversely, qualitative analysis revealed perceived benefits across psychological, emotional, relational, and spiritual domains, with suggestions for longer programs. Discussion: Findings suggest that spiritually oriented counseling partially supports well-being and hope, while forgiveness may require more intensive intervention.