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Self-Blame, Emotional Regulation and Subjective Well Being Among Inmates of Correctional Centers in Benue State

Solomon Nyimkor, Pauline Aiingona Atsehe

Abstract

Subjective well-being is a crucial construct, particularly among prison inmates, who often experience psychological challenges associated with incarceration. However, there is limited indigenous research on the role of self-blame and emotional regulation in shaping inmates’ psychological adjustment. Against this backdrop, this study examined the role of self-blame in the relationship between emotional regulation and subjective well-being among inmates of custodial centers in Benue state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and a sample of 226 inmates was selected through proportionate sampling across two custodial centers in the region. The participants comprised 145(64.2%) males and 81(35.8%) females, with ages ranging from 25 to 44 years, and a mean age of 1.44 years (SD = 0.52). Data were collected using the Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire, Self-Blame Scale, and Emotional Regulation Scale. Four hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression, multiple regression, and process mediation analysis. The results indicated a significant influence of self-blame on subjective well-being among inmates. Additionally, emotional regulation significantly influenced subjective well-being. The findings further revealed a significant mediating role of self-blame in the relationship between emotional regulation and subjective well-being. Moreover, there was a significant joint influence of self-blame and emotional regulation on subjective well-being among. It was concluded that self-blame and emotional regulation are significant independent and joint predictors of subjective well-being among inmates of custodial centers in Benue state, Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that prison psychologists should develop interventions to reduce maladaptive self-blame while promoting healthy emotional regulation strategies to enhance inmates’ subjective well-being. Key worlds: Self Blame, Emotional Regulation, Subjective Well Being, Inmates

References

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