A mixed methods systematic review of the psychosocial and rehabilitative impact of prison technology with recommendations for practice

Extant research suggests the use of technology in prisons can improve their safety, legitimacy, environment, and efficiency. Recently, mechanisms have also been described through which technology may contribute to rehabilitation. However, less is known about the psychological processes that explain this outcome. Here we present a systematic review addressing this lacuna. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was applied to search six databases (Scopus, PsycINFO, LISTA, Criminal Justice Abstracts, Web of Science and Academic Search) and grey literature in October 2020. Studies were included if participants were people living in prison, the intervention was a technological innovation to support a rehabilitative environment, and outcomes were psychological or behavioural . Fourteen reports of thirteen studies met the criteria, and quality assessment checks were performed. Analysis using meta-aggregation identified five integrated findings. A broad range of technologies have been introduced to prisons. Technologies were found to positively influence the emotions, thinking, behaviour, and relationships of those living in prisons. However, technology failures were detrimental experiences for prisoners. The findings are used to shape recommendations for how technology might contribute to the psychosocial and rehabilitative environment of prisons.