Psychophysical quality of life and its determinants in prisoners: the role of selected psychosocial factors

Abstract

Purpose Penal institutions affect their inmates’ mental as well as physical health. Prisoners have higher rates of physical health conditions than the public. While it is known that psychosocial factors determine patients’ quality of life, little research has focused on factors related to prisoners’ psychophysical quality of life (PQoL). The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of prisoners’ PQoL. Design/methodology/approach The sample consisted of 390 prisoners recruited from correctional facilities administered by the Warsaw District Inspectorate of Prisons. This study hypothesized that social support, coherence and self-efficacy would be positive determinants of PQoL and that depression, anxiety and anger would be its negative determinants. The collected data were analyzed by means of structural equation modeling. Findings The positive determinants of PQoL in prisoners are coherence, self-efficacy and social support. The negative determinant of PQoL is trait depression. Originality/value This study has revealed a list of factors significant for improving prisoners’ PQoL. Factors have also indicated which of the predictors measured are the most significant. The identified set of significant factors should be taken into account in social rehabilitation programs for prisoners as contributing to the preservation of life and health.

Life Quality in People Serving Prison Sentences in Romanian Penitentiary Institutions. Premises for Future Socio-Educational Programs

“…The emotional background as well as the current one triggers all sorts of feelings such as confusion, anxiety or even the feeling of being unsafe. The physical background tends to be associated with by now common aspects such as overcrowding conditions, cleanness of cells and sanitation, heating or even the nature of meals being eaten, all of which may or may not lead to different health issues (De Smet et al, 2017;Putri et al, 2020;Saeed et al, 2021;Skowrońsk & Talik, 2022).…”

“…On the other hand, there can be positive characteristics as well while living life under a prison sentence, and these can be linked to better organization, in all aspects of it including here accommodation, food, health, but also in the way the prisoners are being treated by the prison staff, that is with respect and still not violating all the other rights that an individual might have, even if he is doing time (Ilie et al, 2017;Mannocci et al, 2018;Norhilmi et al, 2020;Skowrońsk & Talik, 2022).…”