Entrepreneurship and compassion training in prisons: toward a holistic model for rehabilitation

Prison rehabilitation faces persistent challenges, linked with high recidivism rates and difficulties in reintegration. This study explores a dual intervention approach, entrepreneurial skill development, and compassion training, within the unique rehabilitative environment of Gorgona Prison, contrasting its humanistic model with the more traditional system of Livorno Prison. Entrepreneurial training provides inmates with technical and managerial skills for economic independence, while compassion training enhances emotional regulation, prosocial behaviors, and interpersonal skills. This dual approach hypothesizes that integrating emotional and practical tools fosters sustainable reintegration, reducing recidivism by equipping inmates with both the resilience and competencies needed for post-incarceration life. Employing a pre-test/post-test design, the study assesses the impact of these interventions through validated measures, enabling a comparative analysis of outcomes across distinct rehabilitative contexts. By establishing a conceptual foundation, this paper positions itself as an initial step in a broader investigation into the interplay between compassion and entrepreneurship in reshaping prison rehabilitation strategies.