IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 11 NO. 5 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no5.2025.pg23.29

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Psychological Resilience and Psychological Distress among Inmates of Correctional Centres in Benue State

Moses Terlumun Aondoakaa, Pauline Aiingona Atsehe PhD, Samuel Terzungwe Anhange PhD

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Abstract

The incidence and prevalence of psychological distress has been reported to be higher among custodial populations than the general population globally. Yet, not much attention is given to the state of psychological distress among inmates of correctional centres in Benue State. This study thus examined psychological resilience and psychological distress among inmates of correctional centres in Benue State. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, utilizing inmates in correctional centres in Benue State, comprising 295 (91.9%) males and 26 (8.1%) females. Their ages ranged from 16 – 66years (Mean age=37years, SD=1.08). The Resilience Scale and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were used for data collection. Data analysis involved the use of Multiple Linear Regression. Findings revealed that, psychological resilience had a significant negative influence on psychological distress among the inmates of correctional centres in Benue State. The study made recommendations bordering on the need for correctional authorities to provide resilience training for inmates in correctional centres as a way of preventing, managing and mitigating the effect of psychological distress among inmates of correctional centres in Benue State in particular and Nigeria at large.

keywords:

Psychological Resilience, Psychological Distress, Inmates

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