Using self-help workbooks to improve mental health for incarcerated individuals
Official title: Pilot effectiveness trial of an ACT self-help workbook tailored specifically for prisons
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11032884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well a self-help workbook can help people in prison manage feelings like anxiety, anger, and depression, giving them a useful tool for better mental health when resources are limited.
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 start | February 12, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $225,282 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH132663-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are incarcerated individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, anger, or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently incarcerated or those without significant mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a self-help workbook based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tailored for individuals in prison. It aims to provide a low-cost and scalable mental health treatment option for the over two million incarcerated individuals in the U.S., many of whom suffer from significant mental health issues. The workbook is designed to help users develop psychological flexibility and manage symptoms of anxiety, anger, and depression. By utilizing self-administered materials, the research seeks to address the limited mental health resources available in correctional facilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide incarcerated individuals with accessible tools to improve their mental health and coping skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that self-help workbooks can effectively reduce mental health symptoms in non-incarcerated populations, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
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.