ACT self-help workbook for people in prison
Pilot effectiveness trial of an ACT self-help workbook tailored specifically for prisons
A self-help workbook based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people in prison manage anxiety, depression, anger, and stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be offered a self-help workbook tailored for the prison setting that teaches Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills. The project will deliver the workbook to incarcerated people and track how usable and acceptable it is in that environment. Researchers will measure changes in symptoms like depression, anxiety, and anger, plus skills such as mindfulness, acceptance, and psychological flexibility. The goal is to see whether a low-cost, scalable workbook can help people choose more prosocial, value-based behaviors despite emotional barriers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults incarcerated in correctional facilities who experience depression, anxiety, anger, or related mental health concerns and can use a written self-help program would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who need intensive one-on-one therapy, who cannot read or engage with workbook material, or who cannot access the workbook at their facility may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the workbook could give incarcerated people an affordable, private way to reduce mental health symptoms and improve coping and behavior.
How similar studies have performed: ACT self-help workbooks and ACT group programs have shown promise in non-incarcerated populations and some correctional settings, so this builds on encouraging prior findings.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koenigs, Michael R. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Koenigs, Michael R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.