Psychological Strategies for the Sexual and Affective Re-education of Prisoners
▶Summary
The main aim of PSSARP was to analyse the impact of affective and social competences on the rehabilitation process of inmates and to develop practice-oriented learning materials for prison profess...
▶Objectives
The main aim of PSSARP was to analyse the impact of affective and social competences on the rehabilitation process of inmates and to develop practice-oriented learning materials for prison professionals and family members. Furthermore, the project sought to produce scientific articles, policy recommendations, and open online courses to raise awareness of affectivity in prison systems and promote exchange between justice, education, and psychology across Europe.
▶Activities
Between September 2023 and August 2025, three transnational project meetings were held inside correctional facilities in the partner countries: at Jilava Prison Bucharest (Romania), a closed prison for adult men; at the Casa di Reclusione Is Arenas in Sardinia (Italy), an open facility for adult men; and at Bremen Prison (Germany), housing both juvenile and adult inmates. Staff members from Heinsberg Prison were also involved as associated partners. In each country, qualitative and quantitative research was conducted and summarised in national reports. In parallel, six expert articles and a multilingual MOOC with interactive quizzes were developed for prison professionals. Regional workshops, a final conference in Bremen, and ongoing social media and newsletter activities accompanied the implementation process.
▶Impact
PSSARP has contributed to developing and disseminating a new understanding of “affective education” in the context of prison systems. The project website www.pssarp.eu provides open access to all materials and encourages further use and transfer across Europe. Through interdisciplinary cooperation between correctional institutions, psychology, and adult education, new networks were established, and awareness of emotional learning processes in rehabilitation has been strengthened.