Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Mental Health in Incarcerated Adults: A Systematic Review

Level of Education of Students Involved

Graduate

Faculty Sponsor

Sara Story; Alyssa Formyduval

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Discipline(s)

Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Correctional Settings

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Background: Incarcerated adults experience high rates of mental health concerns, yet access to structured, evidence-based interventions remain limited. Occupational therapy (OT) mental health interventions, including mindfulness-based and mind-body approaches, may support emotional regulation and psychological well-being in correctional settings. This modified systematic review addresses the question: In incarcerated adults, do OT mental health interventions (i.e. mindfulness activities) improve emotional regulation and other mental health outcomes compared to standard correctional programming?

Methods: Studies were included if they examined incarcerated adults (18+), implemented a mindfulness-based, emotional regulation, or occupation-focused intervention delivered in a correctional setting, and reported at least one mental health or behavioral outcome. Exclusion criteria eliminated non-incarcerated samples, pharmacological-only interventions, non-empirical articles, and studies lacking mental health-related outcomes. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, AJOT, and Nursing & Allied Health Premium (ProQuest). Risk of bias was assessed based on study design, sample size, and consistency of outcome measurement, resulting in an overall moderate rating.

Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, mixed methods studies, qualitative research, and surveys. Across intervention studies, participants demonstrated improvements in emotional regulation, stress, coping, and general well-being after OT mental health interventions. Contextual studies revealed ongoing mental health needs and pointed to institutional and systemic factors influencing implementation.

Discussion: Small sample sizes, varied interventions structures, and inconsistent outcome measures limit generalizability. Findings suggest that structured mental health interventions can support positive emotional and psychological change among incarcerated adults, underscoring the need for standardized measures and expanded access to occupation-based programming.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

We are occupational therapy students dedicated to promoting client-centered and occupation based mental health services for justice-involved individuals. Our academic work emphasizes emotional regulation, mindfulness-based interventions, and the impact of environmental and systemic factors on participation. Through this systematic review, we aim to highlight the value of occupational therapy in correctional settings and contribute to the growing evidence supporting accessible, holistic mental health programming for incarcerated adults.

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