The Role of Art in the Rehabilitation of Offenders with an Emphasis on Narrative Therapy (From Global Experiences to Iranian Capacities)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Islamic Azad University of Qom

2 Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Qom University, Qom, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Law, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

4 Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of art, particularly narrative therapy, in the rehabilitation of offenders. Although rehabilitative approaches have expanded within criminal justice systems, the application of art—particularly narrative therapy—still faces the challenge of having its place in resocialization programs clearly defined. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on library sources as well as official documents and reports on artistic programs within correctional and rehabilitation systems—such as creative-writing workshops, drama therapy, and narrative-reading groups—and adopting an interdisciplinary, combined (theoretical-applied) approach, this research examines the capacities of art, particularly narrative therapy, in the resocialization of offenders. Domestic and international studies in the field of art therapy have shown that offenders’ participation in artistic activities can strengthen self-awareness, increase a sense of responsibility, reduce high-risk behaviors, and facilitate their resocialization. Based on the findings of this study and in light of relevant theories in this field—including symbolic interactionism, which regards identity as the product of social interaction and an individual’s construction of meaning from lived experience, and labeling theory, which holds that social labels play a role in consolidating criminal identity and perpetuating deviant behavior—it can be argued that narrative therapy, when implemented in a structured manner suited to cultural conditions, has the capacity to play a role in reinforcing identity reconstruction, increasing a sense of responsibility, and reducing the likelihood of recidivism; provided that it is accompanied by coherent policymaking, specialized training of art instructors, and institutional support. In closing, the article proposes an indigenous framework for integrating art therapy into Iran’s criminal justice system.

Keywords

References

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Contemporary Islamic Law Debate
Volume 3, Issue 6 - Serial Number 6
August 2026
Pages 159-202

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