Effects of Imprisonment on Self-Esteem Among Female Inmates in Selected Prisons in Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the effects of imprisonment on self-esteem among female inmates in selected prisons in Kenya. Descriptive survey design was adapted by this study. A total of 295 respondents formed the survey sample, comprising of 291 female inmates’ and four (4) prison staff. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to select the respondents. The study utilized questionnaires, interview schedules and an observation guide as instruments for data collection. Piloting was conducted in one selected prison to enable the researcher to improve on the reliability and validity of the instruments. Reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach alpha coefficient. The instruments yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.857 which was considered appropriate for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The study found that there was significant relationship between imprisonment and inmate’s self-esteem. The study established that most women in prison had low to moderate self esteem such that inmates felt more worthless compared to other people ever since they were imprisoned. The study recommended the need to for prisons come up with rehabilitative programmes employing self esteem strategy to improve on inmates self esteem.