RadioACTIVITY : Qualitative Insights Into the Perceived Feasibility and Acceptability of an Arts-Based Intervention With Incarcerated Individuals

Abstract

Arts-based interventions create meaningful opportunities for emotional expression, strengthening personal competencies that can enhance prison social climate and support reintegration. This study examined the perceived feasibility and acceptability of RadioACTIVITY, a co-creative arts-based program combining radio theatre production with participatory practices (RadioLAB, RadioSTUDIO, RadioDIFFUSION), implemented across three 10-month editions in a Portuguese prison. Twenty-eight incarcerated individuals (53.6% female; 46.4% male) participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis indicated that feasibility was supported by sustained engagement facilitated through non-judgmental facilitation, collaborative processes, and dynamic sessions. Acceptability was reflected in positive evaluations of the program as meaningful and appropriate, alongside interest in its continuation. Participants also reported intrapersonal (e.g., self-regulation, language skills) and interpersonal (e.g., empathy) gains, as well as perceived social impacts, including reduced stigma. Findings highlight the potential of arts-based approaches to foster rehabilitation and more constructive prison environments.

Plain Language Summary

A Participant-Led Radio Program in Prison: What Worked and Why

Creative arts programs can help people in prison express their thoughts and emotions, build personal skills, and improve relationships with others. These benefits may also contribute to a more positive prison environment and support successful reintegration into society. This study explored how people in prison experienced RadioACTIVITY, an innovative arts-based program that uses radio theatre and collaborative creative activities. RadioACTIVITY was implemented over three editions (i.e., three groups of participants), each lasting 10 months, in a Portuguese prison. The program involved three main stages: experimenting with ideas and voices (RadioLAB), creating radio productions together (RadioSTUDIO), and sharing the final content with others (RadioDIFFUSION). A total of 28 incarcerated participants (men and women) took part in group discussions to share their views about the program. Overall, participants found the program easy to engage with and highly meaningful. They highlighted the importance of facilitators who showed respect, listened without judgment, and worked collaboratively with the group. The creative and varied structure of the sessions also helped maintain motivation and interest. Participants reported several personal benefits. On an individual level, they described improvements in emotional control, self-discipline, and language skills. On a social level, they noted better understanding of others, increased empathy, and more positive interactions. Beyond personal change, participants felt the program had a wider impact by helping to challenge negative stereotypes about people in prison and by creating content that could be shared with other prisons. These findings suggest that arts-based programs like RadioACTIVITY can play an important role in rehabilitation by fostering personal growth, improving relationships, and contributing to healthier and more constructive prison environments.