PREFERENCE FOR COPING STRATEGIES AMONG FEMALE INMATES DURING INCARCERATION IN MALAYSIAN PRISON

Abstract

Previous research suggests that by not applying positive coping skills, inmates are more likely to be involved in serious misconduct and violence than other inmates. As a consequence, some studies suggest counseling as one of the effective ways to enhance their psychological well-being. However, research into the coping strategies practiced by the prison inmates in Malaysia is scarce, and the available findings might differ from those of the studies conducted in other parts of the world. This study explored the preference for coping strategies among inmates during incarceration in one of the prisons located in Malaysia’s Southern Region. One hundred twenty-three female inmates (N = 123) have participated in the survey. Data were collected using the Coping Strategies Inventory (COPE-I). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of this study revealed that the five most frequent types of coping strategies practiced by the female inmates were putting a trust in God, finding comfort in religion, seeking God’s help, learning from past experiences, and praying more than usual. The study’s findings provide crucial information for improving the psychological well-being of inmates and also contribute to the positive growth of the correctional counseling field in Malaysia.