Prison Inmates

Significant Effect of VAT on Prison Inmates

Malle Luik – (psychologist and music therapist), Inge Johanson ( social worker), Tartu Prison, Estonia

Home Healthcare Nurse April 2006 Vol. 24 Nr 4 Side-224

During Nov 2004 to Dec 2005 the researchers experimented applied Vibro Acoustic Therapy on 22 inmates and 10 persons from the staff, 3 inmates didn’t finish VAT, because they were not motivated. The usual durability of treatment was two 23.5 min. in one day / 2-3 times in a week. At most prisoners had several symptoms/ disorders together : for example the anxiety, perfection, irritability and depression. Lot of them fell to sleeping during the session. In the beginning and the end of the session the researchers had conversation with clients. Sometimes the subjects draw some pictures about their feelings/ thoughts/ images while they were on the VAT bed. After VAT session the persons of the staff were more opened to talk about their memories and emotions. Results: The researchers found substantial improvement regarding stress, fears, anxiety and depression for 18 inmates; tension decreased, they became more peaceful and brave with better self-feeling and clear aims. In the beginning, the staff subjects were burdened with emotions, katarsis and memories; after the end of the sessions they became more peaceful, relaxed with better sleeping and good metabolism.