| Understanding the stressors and coping strategies of male and female inmates has become more important because of a worldwide increase in inmates and a significant increase in female inmates; however, past research has not allowed for illumination of gender differences. The current quantitative study extended this area of research by examining the effect of gender and of demographic variables on the stressors and coping strategies of prisoners with the transactional model of stress as a framework. Most of the sample of 103 male inmates and 106 female inmates from three prisons in Singapore (49.8%) rated the overall stress level of prison life either extremely stressful or often stressful. Performing a MANOVA revealed that female inmates reported a significantly higher level of stress than male inmates for stressors: not fitting in with other inmates, F(1, 207) = 5.79, p < .05; being bored, F(1, 207) = 11.12, p < .01; feeling guilty for their offense, F(1, 207) = 7.22, p < .01; feeling angry with self, F(1, 207) = 6.73, p < .05; getting annoyed with other inmates, F(1, 207) = 8.07, p < .01; related to no close friends, F(1, 207) = 4.61, p < .05; and missing somebody, F(1, 207) = 26.11, p < .001. Female inmates reported using more positive interpretation and growth, F(1, 207) = 7.15, p < .01; more focus on and venting of emotions, F(1, 207) = 9.21, p < .01; more restraint, F(1, 207) = 7.41, p < .01; more emotional support, F(1, 207) = 4.11, p < .05; and more acceptance, F(1, 207) = 7.97, p < .01 as coping styles than male inmates. In addition, the perception of stressors by inmates had an impact on the type of coping strategies used. The results of this study provided a better understanding of the stressors and coping strategies of male and female inmates, which is crucial to improve and maximize inmates' adaptation and rehabilitation. Because the current cross-sectional study was a pioneer attempt, future research employing a longitudinal approach is needed to understand the coping processes of inmates over time. |
