Evaluation Title

The experience of ‘Journey Woman’ from the perspective of the participants

Type of evaluation

Data type Qualitative

Evaluation Focus Attitudinal change, Behaviour change, Emotional change, Personal development, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem

Key indicators Attitudinal change, Behavioural change, Capacity to learn, Confidence, Empathy, Listening skills, Motivation to Change, Personal skills, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, Team work

Project outputs Arts-based workshops, Performances

Methodologies Academic analysis, Assessments of change, Data analysis, Diaries, Questionnaires

Research limitations Control Groups

Summary of evaluation

Using theoretical frameworks such as CBT, role theory, social learning theory and narrative therapy, Forensic Psychologist Rebecca Day explores women offenders’ experience of  Geese Theatre Company’s one week project ‘Journey Woman’, which was delivered four times at HMP Foston during 2007/08. 

Project description

Data was collected through reflective diaries that were completed by 32 participants after each day’s work. The diaries used open-ended questions to prompt reflection and insight. Key benefits  were observed such as: increasing motivation to change,  developing  self-esteem,  strengthening  relationships  and  increased problem solving skills. Furthermore, the safe learning environment created by the Geese Theatre Company practitioners was noted to be particularly supportive to participants’ journeys, especially when participants’ were engaging in personally relevant work. Day concludes that diaries were valuable methods of documenting insight, but a future evaluation should use a ‘measure of motivation’ so as to more compellingly document change.


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