Influence of Physiological Stress Coping Strategies on the Psychological Well-being of Life-Sentenced Inmates in Maximum-Security Prisons in Kenya.

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing the influence of physiological stress coping strategies on the psychological well-being of life-sentenced inmates in maximum-security prisons in Kenya. Cognitive behavioural theory and Logotherapy theory guided this study. This study was a descriptive survey. The target population was life-sentenced inmates in nine maximum security prisons in Kenya. The accessible population was 4,487 life-sentenced inmates. The sample size of the life-sentenced inmates was 365, which was selected through systematic sampling. In addition, 30 specialised prison officers were purposively selected. Thus, the total sample size was 395 respondents. The study collected data using questionnaires for life-sentenced inmates, an adapted psychological well-being scale for life-sentenced inmates and interviews for specialised prison officers. Data was analysed through both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicate that physiological stress coping strategies influence the psychological well-being of life-sentenced inmates. The study concluded that correctional facilities are intended to serve diverse purposes, which include keeping the imprisoned persons in safe custody, deterrence, rehabilitation and behaviour modification. The lifers’ physiological activities that include; sleep, diet, exercises, relaxation, reading, listening to music, watching TV, games, and recreation have an influence on their psychological well-being. The study recommends that; policymakers and stakeholders of correctional and rehabilitation of inmates prioritise the psychological well-being of lifers and enhance physiological stress coping strategies for the psychological well-being of lifers and effective rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates.