Changing moods and influencing people: The use and effects of emotional influence behaviours at HMP Grendon

This paper concerns a research study conducted at HMP Grendon examining the behaviours used by staff members and prisoners to influence each others’ moods, referred to as emotional influence strategies. The use of emotional influence has been reported in other contexts (e.g., hospitals, support groups), and may have important outcomes including well-being and relationship qualities. This research provides the first investigation of emotional influence in a prison context, and regards the occurrence and effects of a set of specific emotional influence strategies. The current paper introduces the concept of emotional influence and highlights its relevance to the prison environment. The study is then briefly outlined, and some key findings are detailed. Potential implications of emotional influence in prisons such as HMP Grendon are outlined, in terms of interpersonal stressors, mutual caregiving, and building and maintaining positive working and therapeutic relationships. Future directions in terms of research and practical interventions are also discussed.