Labyrinth walking in corrections

A Unitary Caring Theory Perspective of Labyrinth Walking Research

The purpose of this narrative review of labyrinth walking research literature was to identify its experiences and potential health benefits and to conceptualize the labyrinth walking experience within Smith's (2020) unitary caring theory. A total of 29 research studies from a 2022 annotated bibliography of 160 publications on labyrinth related research were selected for analysis. The findings coalesced around four themes. Labyrinth walking is an experience of irenic requiescence; expanding awareness; transforming potentials; and connecting to the beyond. A process of interpretive theorizing was used to interpret each theme from the perspective of the concepts within the theory of unitary caring.

Nurse-led mind-body relaxation intervention in prison: A multiperspective mixed-method evaluation

BACKGROUND

Mind-body relaxation techniques are complementary or alternative to medication to manage high stress and anxiety levels in prisons.

PURPOSE

To assess the motivation to attend and perceived benefits of a nurse-led group relaxation intervention in prison, investigate the experience of participants, prison officers, and health professionals, and identify improvements.

METHOD

Exploratory study was conducted in a post-trial facility in Switzerland using a multiperspective convergent parallel mixed method drawing from participatory action research principles.

FINDINGS

Reasons for attendance included back problems, mental tension, physical fitness, relaxation, and sleep problems. Perceived benefits comprised autonomy in self-practice, decreased physical tensions and anxiety, and improvement of sleep and physical fitness. Qualitative findings converged highlighting the importance of body-centering, relaxation as an alternative to medication, negative representations about relaxation sessions (useless, effeminate), and recommendations for improvement, including audio-visual support for self-practice.

DISCUSSION

Long-standing mind-body relaxation interventions led by nurses in groups may offer participants a beneficial and operationally feasible complement to stress management in prisons.

Effects of Reflective Labyrinth Walking Assessed Using a Questionnaire

Background: Meditation as it is currently known is an ancient practice, which can be traced back to Asian traditions. With the proper technique, a state of physical relaxation and respiratory balance can be reached naturally and spontaneously. This paper considers meditative labyrinth walking to be a unique expression of Dr. Lauren Artress’ work, who studied and applied the image of the labyrinth on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach. It is a cross-sectional non-randomized study, conducted at an institute for psychotherapies with a sample of 30 participants. Results: 99% of the group reported feeling emotional distress caused by the feeling of a longer walk on the way out, 21% reported feeling the same while walking the path, and 41% at the beginning. The remaining participants felt lost in time and space. Conclusions: This study showed that the practice of labyrinth walking is a physical, emotional, and sensory experience. On the clinical level, correlating this experience to the planning of care seems to be particularly relevant.

Contemplative Activities in Undergraduate Nursing Courses

BACKGROUND

Affective learning is valued in nursing, but it is often difficult to plan and evaluate learning activities in this domain. Contemplative activities can promote learning and are relatively easy to implement. These activities can promote deep, reflective thinking.

METHOD

A variety of contemplative activities were used in undergraduate nursing courses. Students participated in and reflected on a vigil promoting domestic violence awareness. They attended two different art exhibits and related these exhibits to nursing. The students used journals and eportfolios to reflect on the entire nursing program. They participated in breathing exercises and guided imagery meditations.

RESULTS

Students evaluated the activities positively, and their reflections were thoughtful.

CONCLUSION

Contemplative activities can be useful to develop affective competencies. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(6):378-382.].

Correctional Nursing Interventions for Incarcerated Persons with Mental Disorders: An Integrative Review

The authors explore the current state-of-the art of correctional nursing by summarizing the types of interventions employed by nurses, across studies, designed to assist this challenging group of patients. This examination of evidence-based interventions implemented and tested by correctional nurses provides a better understanding of their role and function. Correctional health is a nurse driven system, yet a minimal amount is known about the nurses who practice in these environments or about their contributions to the practice of mental health nursing in correctional environments. An integrative review utilizing PRISMA guidelines examined five databases (Medline/PubMed, PsycInfo, PsychArticles, Sage Criminology, and Academic Search) for peer-reviewed articles that fit selected criteria. Of 324 references identified, 16 studies met criteria. Following assessment of strength of evidence, only eight studies offered scientific proof of the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Nursing interventions implemented in correctional settings targeted incarcerated persons with behavioral and psychological symptoms. Interventions included psycho-education, environmental adaptations, and behavior therapies. The centrality of nurses in correctional health care emphasizes the significance of understanding their role and function in this setting. This integrative review revealed that correctional nurses are actively engaged in providing therapeutic, evidence-based interventions in the health care of incarcerated persons. Of interest, seven of the eight studies focused on incarcerated persons with mental health or substance use issues. Nurse led interventions such as CBT, labyrinth walking, and yoga aim to improve coping and adaptation of incarcerated persons.

Walking the Labyrinth: Considering Mental Health Consumer Experience, Meaning Making, and the Illumination of the Sacred in a Forensic Mental Health Setting

The purpose of this study is to explore the unique meaning and experience associated with walking a unicursal seven circuit outdoor Chartress Labyrinth and 11 circuit indoor Chartress Labyrinth for persons residing at a forensic mental health care facility. Over the past several decades labyrinths have enjoyed something of a renaissance and are often utilized by spiritual care practitioners and health care clinicians in order to support reflection, stress reduction, and the exploration of personal wellness in a sacred setting. Labyrinths are used in many settings including places of worship, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and parks. While labyrinths are becoming more prevalent, an understanding of their impact, particularly in the mental health context, is limited. This qualitative study supports a novel investigation of the meaning associated with participation in walking a labyrinth for persons residing at a forensic mental health care facility. The study design is a qualitative methodology involving transcribed interviews with 12 individuals resident at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care who participated in the 'Walking the Labyrinth' program as facilitated by spiritual care staff. A standardized interview protocol was utilized and the collected data was coded for themes. Several methods were employed to establish trustworthiness including triangulation by analyst and by theory/perspective. Member checking was also utilized in order to further validate the themes. Recommendations related to potential health care applications for labyrinths are identified. These include a focus upon the linkage between mental health care planning and labyrinth participation.