ASSESSING TYPES OF STRESSORS AMONG INCARCERATED WOMEN IN MALAYSIAN PRISON

Abstract

Imprisonment has negative psychological effects on inmates, most often leading to psychological deterioration. An abundance of research had revealed that these effects include emotional withdrawal, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, and increasing levels of hostility. This study assessed the types of stressors experienced by 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 Prison Stresses (PS Scale) and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings of this study revealed that missing family or friends, concerns about the future, regrets about the past and missing freedom as most stressful types of stressors experience in prison. Findings from this research could provide crucial information towards improving psychological well-being of the inmates and assisting the Prison Department of Malaysia and counselors specifically to develop appropriate intervention and treatment plan in rectify this particular issue.