Through the prison walls: using published poetry to explore current UK prisoners’ narratives of past, present and future selves

ABSTRACT

Background: Prison is a complex, hierarchical environment which has been shown to both prompt existential reflection and act as a barrier to authentic emotional expression. The risks associated with emotional expression within prison are further suggested to inhibit forms of self-reflection crucial to successful desistance. This article explores the use of poetry as a practice and a research method within such an environment.Method: Using narrative thematic analysis, poems published in Inside Times magazine were examined, selected because of a focus on inmate subjectivity. Findings: Findings focus on the emotional, reflective, and transportational qualities of poetry. We explore the capacity of poetry to both mediate reflexive, emotional experiences, and mitigate counter-therapeutic aspects of secure environments. Implications: We suggest shifting professional’s focus from changing inmate behaviours to the creation of “safe spaces”or atmospheres within prison which will allow inmates the opportunity for emotional authenticity and the exploration of non-criminal selves.

KEYWORDS:

• Desistance
• duality
• poetic inquiry
• prison
• self

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Georgina DeValiant

Georgina DeValiant is a doctoral candidate in forensic psychology at the University of East London. Her doctoral thesis focuses on the meaning and symbolism of punishment in individual, everyday life.

Laura McGrath

Laura McGrath is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London. Her research interests are primarily in mental health and the material environment, with an expertise in creative methodology and qualitative research.

Zetta Kougiali

Zetta Kougiali is a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of East London. Her research interests lie in the processes and mechanisms of therapeutic change, the epistemology of measurement and in the exploration of factors that facilitate desistance and recovery.