Psychological Factors Predicting Psychological Well-Being among Spouses of Incarcerated Males in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the psychological factors predicting psychological well-being among female partners of pris- oners in Ibadan, Nigeria. Using the purposive sampling techniques, a total of 109 female partners of inmates in Ibadan partici- pated in the study. The ages of the participants ranged between 20 years to 65years with mean age of 39.47years and standard deviation of 10.03 years. Data collection was through the use of questionnaires. Multiple regressions were used to test the hy- pothesis. Findings indicate that coping strategies (problem focused and emotion focused), social support, perceived social stigma and emotional needs significantly predicted psychological well-being with (R2 = .43, F = (5,103) = 17.75; p <.001). This implies that emphasis should be placed on coping strategies, social support, perceived social stigma and emotional needs as the factors predicting psychological well-being among female partners of inmates in this study. However, government parastatals, non-governmental organization, religious organization and communities should all take part in giving the partners of inmates, especially those within the low socio-economic class the whole support and encouragement needed and this will go a long way in affecting their psychological well-being positively.