Photovoice study of gratitude in ex-juvenile offenders
Journal of Criminal Psychology
ISSN: 2009-3829
Article publication date: 22 March 2023
Issue publication date: 29 June 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Gratitude is an element of positive psychology that has been found effective in improving subjective well-being and decreasing aggression in offenders. However, there is a dearth of studies on gratitude in ex-juvenile offenders. This study aims to explore the gratitude of ex-juvenile offenders using a photovoice technique.
Design/methodology/approach
Photos and stories behind pictures were collected from eight ex-juvenile offenders who reside in Kupang, Indonesia.
Findings
Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: family as an oasis of gratitude, difficulty in social reintegration, strong peer support and gratitude and spirituality.
Originality/value
The results of this study indicated that family, peer support and intensive spiritual activities in prisons were influential in forming a sense of gratitude for ex-juvenile offenders. Interventions need to consider these three aspects to improve gratitude and resulting well-being in ex-juvenile offenders.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all participants for sharing their stories: [The research assistants are Gracia Ida and Dorothea Inez Theresa Malo Rangga] for their contributions as research assistants in this study and [Jonathan Z. Ong] for proofreading the final version.
Citation
Lado, P., Keraf, M.K.P.A., Adu, A., Liem, A. and Kiling, I.Y. (2023), "Photovoice study of gratitude in ex-juvenile offenders", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 209-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-11-2021-0045
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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