Length of sentence as predictor of self-harm urge among prison inmates in South-West Nigeria; The mediatory role of resilience

Abstract

Self-harm tendency within the Nigerian prison system is under-reported. There seems to be paucity of data to inform on the nature of relationship between length of sentence and self-harm urge in prison population in South-West Nigeria. This study examined the predictory role of length of sentence on self-harm urge and mediatory of role of resilience in prison inmates in South-West Nigeria. Using a correlational survey design and systematic sampling technique, four hundred and seventy-six convicts responded to resilience Scale, Self-Harm Urge Scale and open-ended question for length of sentence. Analysis of the data with Linear and multiple regression and Sobel statistics. Findings revealed that, length of Sentence significantly predicted prisoners’ self-harm urge [β =.26, t = 5.25**, p < .01], resilience significantly predicted prisoners’ self-harm urge [β
=.33, t = 7.88**, p < .01]. Furthermore, the strength with which resilience mediated the relationship between length of sentence and self-harm tendency was significant at (Ƶ = 2.31, p., <. 05). It was recommended that, government may need to take into consideration the significant roles of length of sentence of prison inmates and resilience when designing programme toward promoting or enhancing psychologically well-adjusted prison inmate and reducing self-harm. The issue of self-harm urge in relation to length of sentence was raised frequently in the evidence received from the field. It is surprising that, The Nigerian Correctional Facilities (NCF) does not have a discrete policy concerning self-harm tendencies and the researcher hereby recommends
that, programmes and activities that could require the prison inmates’ regular participation should be put in place. With this done, prison inmates would have succeeded in making meaningful use of their time thereby solving the problems occasioned by length of service.