Psychosocial Factors among the Male Inmates in Naga City District Jail

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Confinement has been a punishment since ancient times to persons who have committed crimes. Due to the situation of the inmates, their personality could be affected. This study investigated and explored the psychosocial factors among the male inmates inNaga City District Jail.

METHODS

By random sampling, 30 inmates were chosen for the quantitative method, 7 participated in FGD and 1 joined In-Depth Interview. In the quantitative method, Demographic Profile Checklist and 3 standardized tests, Pasao Self-Concept Rating Scale, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire were used to know the levels of self-concept, levels of basic psychological needs satisfaction, and coping strategies, respectively. A researcher-made test, Olivan Stages of Faith Questionnaire, was used to know the stages of faith. For the qualitative method, 3 FGD sessions and 5 In-Depth Interview sessions were done to explore other psychosocial factors among the inmates. Finally, triangulation was employed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The study found an average level of self-concept of the inmates and an average level of basic psychological needs satisfaction. For stages of faith, the inmates belong to Synthetic-Conventional Faith. The coping strategies include Seeking Social Support, Distance Coping, Planful Problem-Solving, and Escape-Avoidance. There was no significant relationship found between self-concept and basic psychological needs satisfaction. Lastly, Support Systems, Social Adjustment, and the Realizations that the inmates had with their imprisonment were the other psychosocial factors which surfaced as present among them.

DISCUSSIONS

The average self-concept could be because the reformation that inmates are receiving helps them to still feel good about themselves, and their needs are fairly satisfied. Their description of their faith is focused on observing the devotions and traditions of the religion they belong to. To adjust to their situations, respondents seek support from others or detach themselves from problems. No relationship was found between self-concept and basic psychological needs satisfaction. The self-concept of the inmates is not affected regardless of whether their psychological needs are satisfied or not. The theory of the development of self-concept states that at the onset of early adulthood in the lives of individuals, self-concept is already established and stable due to their self-awareness.