Compassion classes for prison staff may reduce tensions

NCT ID NCT07135518

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a compassion-focused training program for staff working in prisons and forensic psychiatric hospitals. The goal was to see if helping staff manage stress and build compassion could improve the social climate for both staff and residents. The study involved 96 participants across three units, with one unit receiving the full training, one receiving only a workshop, and one receiving no training. Researchers measured changes in social climate, compassion, and critical incidents like aggression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Compassion Focused Staff Support (CFSS) - a behavioral training program including a half-day workshop and monthly team sessions

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve safety and wellbeing in prisons and psychiatric hospitals.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early study with only 96 participants across three units, so results may not apply to other settings. The intervention is behavioral, so effects may be modest or hard to sustain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Psychiatric Clinics Basel

    Basel, 4002, Switzerland