摘要:Meaning, purpose, and hope in the context of religion and spirituality in the lives of individualssentenced to a state penitentiary who demonstrate leadership qualities was investigated.Utilizing in-depth interviewing of 23 subjects, an experienced doctoral level sociologist andparticipant observer explored questions about attitudes and practices related to religion andspirituality. Results confirmed that nearly all of the subjects drew strength from spirituality,while utilizing differing strategies to cultivate meaning, hope, and purpose.