Applications of Personal Development in the re-education of Imprisoned Women

Abstract

In this research we aim at highlighting the role of moral emotions in the development and re-education of imprisoned women. We want to show that shame and guilt are two important feelings in the “cure” and rehabilitation of inmates. We also want to implement a program of personal development in order to increase feelings of guilt and reduce feelings of shame. Another goal is to highlight the difference in the two types of emotions depending on the legal status. In this research we used the questionnaire for shame and guilt and personal development activities. Our results indicate that recidivist subjects have a higher level of shame and a lower level of guilt in comparison with those having committed only one offence. However, the results differ depending on the type of offence. Although self-esteem has a significant effect on the two types of feelings, we can see that at times it can have a compensatory role.