Loading...
THRIVE: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACCESSIBILITY AS AN ISSUE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, AN INCARCERAL HEALTH WELLNESS PROGRAM MODEL
Sloane, Kyra
Sloane, Kyra
Citations
Altmetric:
Genre
Thesis/Dissertation
Date
2024-05
Advisor
Committee member
Group
Department
Urban Bioethics
Permanent link to this record
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/10294
Abstract
This thesis is predicated on two ideas: that physical activity is a social determinant of health; and that the American mass incarceral system is a product of structural racism. First, I review the well-known benefits of physical activity and examine the very sparse existent literature on women exercising in American jails and prisons. I then address health disparities for incarcerated populations, exploring historical policies and laws that shaped the current climate of incarceral health. Next, I discuss my motivations and the challenges associated with starting the wellness program I created at a local jail where I lead a workout and meditation class for the female population. I utilize a bioethical lens to compare similarities between my experience in the hospital as a medical student and as a physical fitness instructor at the correctional facility. Finally, I use behavioral theories to highlight the impact exercise can have on individuals and the benefits that extend beyond the bodily and can translate into the increased life skills and personal development needed to impact social change. I conclude with an analysis of how community- based interventions that allow for meaningful engagement, such as exercise programming, can alleviate the stressors associated with incarceration — a physical and metaphorical opportunity for renewal and transformation.
Description
Citation
Citation to related work
Has part
ADA compliance
For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, including help with reading this content, please contact scholarshare@temple.edu