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Faith and Moral Development: A Case Study of a Jail-Based Correctional Education Program

NCJ Number
229609
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 60 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 343-358
Author(s)
Karen Swanson
Date Published
December 2009
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of faith-based programs in correctional facilities.
Abstract
Increasingly, faith-based programs have provided curriculum in correctional facilities to meet the challenge of rehabilitating offenders. To attempt to identify the impact of such instruction, this qualitative case study examines the faith and moral development of the participants in one such program. Through interviews, observations, document studies, and video tape analysis; the author attempted to understand the participants' perspectives about their development within the context of the program. Emergent themes identified that participants' cognition, volition, and relationships lead to faith and moral development. Several sub-themes were also identified. Findings suggest that the development of faith and morality are concomitant, and that while all three aspects - cognitions, volition, and relationships - are needed for faith and moral growth, community relationships are of paramount importance to developing and sustaining faith and morality. Figures and references (Published Abstract)