Title: Nexus Between Prison Climate And Psychological Well-Being Of Awaiting Trial Inmates Of Oyo Medium Correctional Centre, Abolongo, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Solomon Adekunle Odedokun PhD
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 150-158
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
The research examined the influence of prison climates on the psychological well-being of awaiting rial inmates in Oyo Medium Correctional Centre, Abolongo, Oyo State, Nigeria. One hundred and ninety seven (197) awaiting-trial inmates were randomly and purposively selected for the study. One hundred and ninety one (191) 96.9%) were males and six (6) (3.1%) were females. Their ages ranged between 23 and 55 years with the mean age of 33.50 years and S. D. of 5.21. Valid and standardised instruments were used to measure the variables. Three research questions were raised and answered. Data collected were analysed using the Multiple Regression Analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that prison climate positively correlated with psychological- well-being of the awaiting trial inmates. The combination of the independent variables accounted for 93.6% (Adj.R2= .936) of the total variance in the prediction of psychological well-being of the awaiting trial inmates. The prison climate also made relative contribution to the psychological well-being of the awaiting trial inmates (Relations in prison (? = .178, t= 2.327, p<0.05), safety and order (? = -.167, t= -2.019, p<0.05), contact from outside (? = .206, t= 3.305, p<0.05), facilities (? = .218, t= 3.888, p<0.05), autonomy (? = -.037, t= -.656, p>0.05) and meaningful activities (? = .226, t= 3.998, p<0.05). Based on this, it was recommended among others that in order to enhance the psychological well-being of the awaiting trial inmates, administrators should do all within their power to resolve the issue of overcrowding in the prison which has serious effect on the facilities. Also, sporting and recreational activities and facilities should be provided in the prisons as this will go a long way in reducing emotional trauma and promoting psychological well-being among awaiting trial inmates. Lastly, training on interpersonal relationship, prison resilience and coping mechanism should be organized for awaiting trial inmates as this will not only help them to overcome and adjust with the prison environment but will also enhanced their psychological well-being.