Theatre Activity Improves Well-Being and Reduces Drug Utilization in Inmate Subjects. Results from a Pilot Study Marco BL Rocchi1, M.Sc. | Davide Sisti1, M.Sc. | Elisa Delsignore2, Monica Busca3 Psy.Sc., M.Sc.| Cristian Della Chiara2, M.Sc. | Ciro Limone2, M.Sc. | Annarita Calavalle4, M.Sc. | Federica Di Giovacchino1, M.Sc. | Vilberto Stocchi4, M.Sc.	PDF File
1 Dipatimento di Scienze dell’Uomo, dell’Ambiente e della Natura, Università di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy 2 Progetto “Attività di teatro in carcere”, Università di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy 3 ASUR Marche, Zona Territoriale 3 Fano, Italy 4 Istituto di Ricerca sull’Attività Motoria, Università di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy

Abstract

In this paper a study to determine if a theatre activity should improve well-being and reduce drug utilization in inmates subjects is described. The study was conducted at the Casa di Reclusione prison of Fossombrone (Marche, Italy), using the Italian version of the Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) Index and the consumption of psychotropic drugs as evaluative instruments.

Background and Rationale

The psychological impairment of inmates is an obvious consequence of their lack of freedom.
It is also well known that in prison the consumption of antianxiety and psychotropic drugs is very high with respect to general population1-4.
The healthcare budget dedicated to the Italian prison system has been steadily reduced over the last twenty years, and a reversal in this trend is not foreseen. Given this dire budgetary situation, not to mention general ethical considerations, improving the health of inmates should be a priority.
For these reasons, the School of Pharmacy of the University of Urbino “Carlo Bo” (Marche, Italy), the Italian Ministry of Justice and the “Casa di Reclusione” prison in Fossombrone (Marche, Italy) have collaborated over the last years over a study developed to verify if the involvement of inmates characterized by a high level of psychological impairment in a 1.5-year theatre activity can improve their well-being together with a reduction of drug consumption.