Psychophysical quality of life and its determinants in prisoners: the role of selected psychosocial factors
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 28 September 2022
Issue publication date: 5 September 2023
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.
Keywords
Citation
Skowroński, B. and Talik, E. (2023), "Psychophysical quality of life and its determinants in prisoners: the role of selected psychosocial factors", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 376-391. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-10-2021-0102
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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