Trauma Healing Study - American Bible Society

Can God’s Word Reach Hearts In Jail?

A majority of incarcerated people have experienced high levels of trauma. Many struggle to envision a hopeful future, maintain healthy relationships, or believe that God could love them. Learn about the Bible’s role in alleviating trauma among inmates.

Most Inmates Have Experienced Trauma

In this study, 86% of participants had experienced at least one type of traumatic event. Indicators of trauma include complicated grief, depression, anxiety, aggression, and suicidal ideation. Trauma deteriorates our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and is often one of the biggest barriers between hurting hearts and God.

Trauma Healing Brings Restoration

Bible-based trauma healing guides people toward long-term restoration by combining mental health best practices and biblical truths. For this study, 349 inmates participated in five-day trauma healing groups led by trained volunteers from the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry (GNJPM), a trusted partner of American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing Ministry. Three months after the program’s completion, participants continued to exhibit positive results.

Bible-based trauma healing group participants experienced decreased PTSD after the trauma healing program.

Bible-based trauma healing group participants experienced improved emotional health, exhibiting increased forgiveness and compassion.

Bible-based trauma healing group participants experienced an improved attitude toward God and the Bible and reported an increased sense of God’s purpose in their lives.

This study includes:

Information on trauma and mental health crises in jails and prisons
Historical overview of faith and volunteerism in America
The role of religion in prevention and rehabilitation efforts
Overview of American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing program for inmates
Methodology, research questions, and findings
Implications for justice system reform

Download Full Study

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“This study shows that trauma healing – and the invitation to meet the ‘Wounded Healer’ through the Bible – has the power to change lives that have been impacted by the most tragic circumstances.”

Rebecca Taguma
Senior Director, Trauma Healing Institute

“No other known intervention accomplishes so much good for highly traumatized jail inmates in such a short period of time.”

Dr. Byron R. Johnson
Study Co-Author and Founding Director of the Baylor University Institute for Studies of Religion

"For many, trauma healing has been the “missing link” in helping them to reconcile their past and accept God’s plan for their future. This research project, launched with the help of Good News Chaplains, empirically demonstrated what was already being observed clearly – the Word of God transforms hurting lives!"

Jon Evans
President, Good News Jail & Prison Ministry

Join Us

Participate in a Trauma Healing Ministry

American Bible Society’s Bible-based Trauma Healing program helps people explore their heart wounds and heal from the pain of trauma. Want to get involved? Join hundreds of churches and partner organizations, both domestically and internationally, in leading those who are suffering on a journey of healing.

Trauma in America: Research from American Bible Society and Barna Group

In 2019, American Bible Society and Barna Group investigated Trauma in America and found that millions of Americans face suffering every day. Often they suffer in silence, but for many, the Church offers hope and healing.

Give the Gift of God's Healing Word

Provide God’s Word to people suffering from extreme trauma where it’s needed most. Support Bible-based trauma healing and equip victims of tragedies to take their pain to the cross as they encounter God’s Word. Bible-based trauma healing may be the greatest mission field of our time as we see many giving their lives to Christ.

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