Relationship between Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Prisoners: A Case of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya.
Date
2025-09
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Publisher
International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews
Abstract
Imprisonment is commonly viewed as a deterrent to reoffending; however, incarceration often exacerbates psychological distress, manifesting as depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and aggression. Such challenges necessitate targeted psychosocial interventions, particularly from family, peers, and significant others. Social support (SS) is widely recognised as a crucial determinant of psychological well-being (PWB), warranting an empirical investigation into their relationship. This study examined the association between SS and PWB among inmates at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya. Anchored in Social Support Theory and Ryff’s Six-Factor Model, the study employed a positivist, correlational survey design. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. A multi-stage sampling approach, combining proportionate stratified and simple random techniques, yielded a sample of 320 from a population of 1,207. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and simple regression. Demographic variables age (p = .878), marital status (p = .918), education (p = .152), and time served (p = .166) showed no significant relationship with PWB. Most participants reported moderate levels of SS (73.2%) and PWB (90.4%). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between SS and PWB (r = .193, p = .001), with SS emerging as a significant predictor of PWB (F(1, 311) = 11.97, p = .001). Findings underscore the importance of enhancing social support systems through family contact, peer engagement, and supportive relationships to foster psychological resilience among inmates.