CORRECTIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND SELF-ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG INMATES IN KEFFI CORRECTIONAL CENTRE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the role of correctional environment and self-esteem as
predictors of psychological distress among inmates in the Keffi Correctional Custodial Centre,
Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 250 inmates (200 males and 50 females) participated in the
research, with validated scales used to assess their perceptions of the correctional environment,
levels of self-esteem, and psychological distress. The study employed a survey design with
purposive sampling to select participants from both convicted and awaiting trial inmates. Results
revealed that both correctional environment and self-esteem significantly influenced psychological
distress. Specifically, poor correctional conditions, including overcrowding and lack of mental
health resources, contributed to heightened levels of distress, with the correctional environment
explaining 34.7% of the variance in psychological distress (R² = 0.347, ß = 0.456, p < .05).
Additionally, lower self-esteem was identified as a crucial factor exacerbating psychological
distress, accounting for 46.3% of the variance in distress (R² = 0.463, ß = 0.467, p < .05). The joint
influence of both correctional environment and self-esteem on psychological distress explained
41% of the variance (R² = 0.410, ß = 0.344, p < .05). The findings underscored the necessity for
comprehensive policy reforms to improve the living conditions within correctional facilities and
implement self-esteem enhancement programs to mitigate psychological distress. Based on these
findings, it was recommended that correctional institutions adopt policies aimed at improving
environmental factors, such as safety and emotional support, and provide inmates with mental
health services and programs designed to boost self-esteem. This study contributed to the broader
understanding of the psychosocial challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and called for
systemic changes in correctional policy and inmate rehabilitation strategies.