Evaluating the Effects of a Brief Program for Moral Education in a County Jail

Inmate treatment programs are designed to rehabilitate individuals who are incarcerated and give them the chance for a crime-free life. Previous research shows support for inmate treatment programs and support for moral education programs that have been implemented mostly in school settings. This particular study investigated a moral education program designed for use with individuals who are incarcerated that focuses on teaching aspects of character and practice of these traits. Results supported the hypothesis in that individuals who completed this program showed significant improvements in their sociomoral reasoning when compared to individuals who did not complete the program. The program also received favorable evaluations from all participants.