New Publication: Exploring the Impact of Theological Education on Incarcerated Lives
Robin LaBarbera • May 30, 2025
I’m excited to share that my latest peer-reviewed article has just been published online in Health & Justice.
The study, titled “A mixed methods evaluation of well-being among incarcerated religious education participants in the United States,” examines how a rigorous theological education program—The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI)—is changing lives inside prison walls.
Drawing on a mixed-methods study of incarcerated men and women serving long-term or life sentences, this article explores how participation in TUMI shapes identity, relationships, purpose, and overall well-being.
The findings point to measurable increases in hope, sense of meaning, and prosocial behavior, suggesting that even in the most dehumanizing environments, transformation is possible.
This research contributes to a growing body of evidence showing the value of high-quality educational programs in correctional settings—not only for reducing recidivism but for fostering human flourishing.
You can read the full article online here (open access):
If you’re working in the fields of education, criminal justice, reentry, or faith-based programming—or simply interested in stories of transformation and resilience—I hope this article sparks ideas and conversations.
Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out if you’re interested in collaboration or evaluation work in this space.
Measuring flourishing is not simply about identifying domains or creating a reliable tool. It requires asking questions in a way that respects the dignity and lived experience of the people responding. That cannot be done from a distance. It requires proximity.
This is why prison education isn’t just a moral argument—it’s a practical one. It reduces future crime. It lowers costs. It strengthens communities. And it saves lives, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
Mary Flin’s example challenges me to rethink what it means to serve, to listen, and to love my own neighbors. Her life is a living answer to the question: What if every neighborhood had a chaplain?
The evidence is clear: faith-based educational programs like The Urban Ministry Institute offer far more than theological training—they cultivate well-being, leadership, and resilience among incarcerated individuals.
Drawing on research, theory, and firsthand accounts, this chapter interrogates what it truly means to flourish in the least likely of places.
Two programs are successfully addressing criminogenic needs: World Impact's TUMI seminary-level education program offered in prisons across the US, and House of Mercy's re-entry ministry in Washington. These two organizations are effectively reducing reoffending by focusing on addressing criminogenic needs, and we highlight House of Mercy in this post.
You can drive greater impact with data – work with a program evaluator who has a history of publishing research in academic journals to ensure that more people set eyes on your accomplishments. We helped a client get their program expanded into 53 new locations because we published evaluation data in over 25 blogs and in three academic journals.
Based on the first round of data collection and analysis, it appears that HOM is achieving its desired outcomes. Specifically, program participants rated themselves highly in terms of their perceptions of HOM’s programs and services, ability to think adaptively under stress, psychological strength and approach to problem-solving, perceived social support, employment and educational trajectories, and positive use of leisure time.
Cognitive distortions - irrational thoughts that can distort the way a person sees themselves, their life, their specific day-to-day situations, their relationships, and other people - can contribute to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Learn how to identify and address them in our peer2peer mental health support training.
The evidence is clear: TUMI is responsible for the drastic change I observed in people like David McMillan. So, yes, we should provide educational opportunities to those who are incarcerated!