A Single Session Mask Making Group With Incarcerated GBT Adults

Bibliographic Data

ID21373239
AuthorsJoanne Altschuler (0009-0009-8133-0610, School of Social Work, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA, corresponding author), Anne Katz (0009-0009-4124-1525, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA), Anne D Katz (University of Southern California)
Year2026
Volume106
Issue2
Pages222-244
Publication date2026-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Prison Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0032-8855 • E-ISSN: 1552-7522
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00328855251413764
OpenAlexW7128720556
LanguageEN
References cited18

This article describes a one-time mask making session with 16 incarcerated gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) adults in a gender-aligned correctional unit. Utilizing Rogers’ Person-Centered approach and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommended values of “safety, choice, trust and voice,” the 90-minute activity promoted self-expression, self-reflection, and peer connection while complying with institutional security protocols. Four themes were identified: “Don’t mess with me,” “Put on a happy face,” “You don’t know me,” and “My inner prison.” The program's low cost and adaptability to varied custody settings suggest it as a practical, replicable tool for enhancing rehabilitative programming for vulnerable populations in correctional environments

Adaptability · Mental health · Recidivism · Session (web analytics) · Substance abuse · Substance use · Transgender · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending

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