Intensity of perceived stress and control of anger, anxiety and depression of people staying in Polish penitentiary institutions

Int J Prison Health. 2021 Aug 16;ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). doi: 10.1108/IJPH-12-2020-0103.ABSTRACTPURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the intensity of perceived stress and measure the subjective control of anxiety, anger and depression in a group of women and men staying in Polish penitentiary institutions.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research was carried out in two penitentiary institutions located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship at the turn of 2019/2020. The study group consisted of 152 prisoners. In the cross-sectional study, two standardised research tools - the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Control Scale - were used.FINDINGS: Over half of the prisoners (57.24%) presented a high level of stress. The intensity of the perceived stress did not depend on the gender and age of the convicted persons. The general indicator of emotional control among the respondents averaged 51.82 points (standard deviation = 14.52) and ranged from 22 to 83 points, which means that people detained in penitentiary institutions suppressed their negative emotions at an average level. The prisoners had the best control over fear (M = 18.68), less over anger (M = 16.86) and the least over depression (M = 16.27). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the level of emotional control and the intensity of perceived stress.RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The small sample size of the group participating in the study and narrowing of the research area means tha...
Source: International Journal of Prisoner Health - Category: Criminology Authors: Source Type: research