Acts of Altruism Behind Bars: The Impact of Inmate Altruism on Inmates

Abstract

Objective: This study’s objective was to evaluate the extent to which voluntary inmate altruism impacts incarcerated individuals’ long-term experiences within the prison system. 

Methods: Using the Delphi study design, interviews were conducted with three criminal defense attorneys, as well as three formerly incarcerated individuals. Criminal defense attorneys provided professional perspectives on inmate altruism within correctional facilities today, while ex-convicts provided insight into their firsthand experiences, motivations, and outcomes. Data from these interviews were collected and organized through a series of tables, analyzing the responses. 

Results: Inmate altruism was found to facilitate personal growth, reduce disciplinary conflicts, and improve institutional solidarity in prisons. Both reported challenges, such as bureaucratic constraints and institutional distrust. Against that backdrop, inmate-initiated altruism was reported to result in rehabilitation, give meaning to people, improve psychological well-being, etc.

Conclusion: Voluntary prisoner altruism is a unique form of rehabilitation that benefits both the participants and the prison society and yields outcomes that most of the current rehabilitative efforts are prone to overlook. By immersing offenders in the activities of leading, creating, and giving, altruistic programs rehabilitate prisoners' selves beyond their crimes. These outcomes suggest the necessity of incorporating inmate-initiated programs into prison reform policy.