Enriching Prison Environments with Peer-Led Activities: A Trauma-Informed Approach

Prisons are among the most challenging environments for behavior management. High stress, limited autonomy, and social isolation can contribute to misconduct, mental health struggles, and recidivism. Recent research by Seel, May, and Austin (2024) explores how peer-led activities can enrich prison environments and improve inmate behavior.

This study, published in Behavior Analysis in Practice, focuses on an innovative, trauma-informed intervention: giving prisoners the opportunity to lead structured, prosocial activities. The findings suggest that environmental enrichment can reduce infractions, increase engagement, and support rehabilitation.

Understanding the Problem: Behavior in Prison Environments

1. The Role of Deprivation in Prison Misconduct

Prisons are restrictive by design. According to Sykes (1958), deprivation of liberty, goods, autonomy, and security contributes to negative behaviors. This aligns with the behavioral concept of "motivating operations"—when basic needs are unmet, problematic behaviors often escalate. Misconduct, self-harm, and aggression are common responses to an understimulating, high-stress environment.

2. The Need for Environmental Enrichment

Environmental enrichment includes structured activities that provide social and intellectual stimulation. Research has shown that incorporating preferred stimuli and meaningful engagement opportunities can:

• Reduce misconduct and antisocial behavior
• Foster prosocial skills and coping strategies
• Increase prisoners' sense of agency and well-being

3. Trauma and Mental Health in Incarcerated Populations

Many incarcerated individuals have histories of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Factors like:

• Childhood abuse and neglect
• Mental health disorders
• Solitary confinement and systemic violence

…all contribute to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and behavioral challenges. Trauma-informed care acknowledges these experiences and seeks to create supportive, rehabilitative environments rather than punitive ones.

The Study: Implementing Peer-Led, Trauma-Informed Enrichment

Seel et al. (2024) conducted their study in a UK Category B prison housing 1,600 male prisoners, ages 20–63. Their goal was to examine whether peer-led activities could improve engagement and behavior within the institution.

4. Study Design and Methods

The study used a mixed-methods approach, gathering data through:

• Direct observation of prisoner engagement
• Facility records on infractions and self-harm
• Surveys from inmates and prison staff

The intervention was designed to be accessible, voluntary, and flexible, allowing prisoners to lead activities in ways that met their needs and interests.

5. Selection of Peer-Led Activities

Prisoners and staff collaborated to select feasible, engaging activities. Approved programs included:

• Literacy and numeracy tutoring
• Cooking clubs (with security adaptations, e.g., no knives)
• Music and guitar lessons
• Fitness groups and chess tournaments
• Art and origami sessions
• Bingo nights and vocational training courses

These activities served multiple functions: they occupied free time constructively, promoted prosocial interaction, and offered skill-building opportunities that could be useful after release.

6. Implementation and Challenges

Training prisoner facilitators was a key part of the project. Selected inmates received guidance on:

• Running structured, inclusive sessions
• Handling conflicts and disruptions
• Encouraging participation among peers

Security concerns were an ongoing challenge. Institutions had to ensure that enrichment activities did not compromise safety, which influenced decisions like restricting certain materials in cooking classes. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic forced adaptations, such as limiting group sizes and shifting some activities online.

Key Findings and Outcomes

The study found that peer-led activities resulted in:

1. Reduced Misconduct & Infractions – Institutional reports showed lower rates of disruptive behavior in prisoners who regularly participated in activities.
2. Increased Engagement & Positive Social Interaction – Observation data indicated that prisoners were more engaged, less withdrawn, and demonstrated improved peer relationships.
3. Improved Staff-Prisoner Relationships – Staff reported fewer confrontations and an overall improvement in prison morale.
4. Reduced Self-Harm & Mental Health Struggles – Surveys and records suggested that structured engagement helped mitigate some negative effects of trauma and institutional stress.

Implications for Behavior Analysts

This study highlights how environmental enrichment, particularly when combined with trauma-informed practices, can create meaningful positive change in prisons. Key takeaways for behavior analysts working in similar settings include:

• Prioritizing Peer Involvement – Encouraging inmates to take an active role in programming promotes autonomy and accountability.
• Addressing Functions of Behavior – Unproductive or harmful behaviors often stem from deprivation and frustration. Providing meaningful alternatives can reduce problematic behaviors naturally.
• Integrating Trauma-Informed Approaches – Creating supportive, low-risk environments for engagement helps counteract past trauma, improving overall rehabilitation outcomes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Seel et al.'s (2024) study demonstrates that prison enrichment isn't just about filling time—it’s a meaningful approach to behavior management and rehabilitation. Peer-led activities provide prisoners with a sense of purpose, reduce misconduct, and improve institutional culture.

For behavior analysts, this research underscores the power of structured, prosocial reinforcement in challenging environments. By advocating for trauma-informed, peer-led initiatives, professionals in the field can help make correctional settings more humane and effective.

Want to learn more? Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00851-8

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References

Seel, C. J., May, R. J., & Austin, J. L. (2024). Enriching prison environments via peer-led activities. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 679–692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00851-8
Sykes, G. M. (1958). The Society of Captives: A Study of a Maximum Security Prison. Princeton University Press.