SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SELF-EFFICACY AS DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS OF INMATES IN KEFFI CORRECTIONAL CENTRE, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of PERCEIVED SOCIAL support and self-efficacy on Psychological Distress of inmates in Keffi Correctional Centre, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Cross sectional Survey design was adopted for the study. 243 participants consisting of 213(87.7%) males and 30 (12.7%) females were randomly selected using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used for the study were the Perceived Social Support Scale, General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale and Psychological Distress scale. Data collected were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Two hypotheses were tested and the results of the hypotheses indicated that loneliness (Friends support, Family support, and Significant support) significantly influence Psychological distress among inmates in Keffi correctional center, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and the result was supported (R²=110, F(3,239)=9.862; p=.000]. The authors recommended that, psychological treatment components such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavior Modification should be included as active rehabilitation and reformation programs of inmates in Nigeria. This will contribute to the evidence-based approach to rehabilitation. The authors also recommended that inmates should be educated on the influence of social support and self-efficacy on psychological distress.

Keywords: Social Support, Self-Efficacy, Psychological Distress, Inmates