Effects of a correspondence-based educational program on prisoner loneliness, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms

This study investigated the effects of participation in a nonaccredited correspondence-based educational program on incarcerated students’ levels of loneliness, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Participants included 238 active students and 169 waitlist students from 38 states. Results demonstrated that participation was associated with lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of self-esteem, but there were no effects of participation on depressive symptoms. These findings demonstrate significant effects of outside programming on inmate mental health, suggesting a valuable alternative to internal programs.