Inmates’ Perception of Environmental Factors Affecting Psychological Well-Being: A Case of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2024
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Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS)
Abstract
The aim of correctional centers worldwide is to protect the public, to punish, and to rehabilitate offenders. These institutions however face challenges that jeopardize effective achievement of these aims, among them being, ineffective rehabilitation programs, recidivism, mental disorders and suicide- with suicidal cases in prisons globally reported at 6% higher than in free population. Failure to obtain firsthand information on user needs leads to ineffective policies on rehabilitation philosophy. This paper therefore, examines the perception of inmates regarding environmental factors that influence their psychological wellbeing, indicated by stress, depression and anxiety. The moderating factors were age, marital status and length of imprisonment. The study was carried out at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Kenya, adopting a descriptive-correlational methodology to assess the interaction between indicators of PWB and the environmental factors. Based on data collected from 250 respondents, using Semi-structured questionnaires, consisting of both open-ended and Likert type questions, the study identifies a range of emotional feelings to characterize PWB, including, sadness (36.5%), fear (16%), despair (17%), anger (5%) self-conscious (15.5%) and boredom (2%). Through Correlation and regression analysis, the study rules out on environmental factors that significantly influence PWB of inmates to include physical environment, self-acceptance, participation in rehabilitation programs, social interactions, family interactions and leisure activities. Age, marital status and length of imprisonment had insignificant contribution. This paper suggests on improving physical environment towards strengthening the psychosocial factors so as to promote PWB and rehabilitation at length.
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Citation
Kasau, R. W; Majale, C & Munala, G. (2024). Inmates’ Perception Of Environmental Factors Affecting Psychological Well-Being: A Case Of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison In Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(10), 121 – 140.