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Nonviolent communication training and empathy in male parolees.

Marlow, Elizabeth
June 4, 2015

Source: (2012) Journal of Correctional Health Care 18(1) 8-19.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a behavioral intervention, nonviolent
communication (NVC), on the development of empathic coping and communication skills in a
sample of male parolees enrolled in substance abuse treatment (SAT; N ¼ 30). At the end of
the 8-week intervention, results revealed a significant increase (p ¼ .01) in participants’ empathy
levels. Findings also revealed the acceptability and utility of NVC training to men on parole. Results
suggest that NVC training may (a) be a useful addition to substance abuse treatment programs for
parolees, (b) be effective in addressing problematic coping and communication styles resulting
from incarceration and criminal behavior, and (c) assist paroled individuals in building and sustaining
positive social support networks. (Author’s abstract)

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