REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES AND MENTAL HEALTH OF INMATES IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA: A PREDICTIVE STUDY

Abstract

The study examined the prediction of rehabilitation activities on mental health of inmates in correctional centres in Cross River State, Nigeria. Using a correlational design, the population was 1,087 inmates in six correctional centres in Cross River State. Sampling was done in multiple stage. 480 inmates were sampled with the aid of Taro Yamane sample determination formula. The instrument for the study was a structured questionnaire called Rehabilitation Activities and Mental Health Questionnaire (RAMHQ) with 60 items which was validated by experts. A trial test was conducted using Cronbach Alpha Reliability Estimate and the coefficient for the sub-scales ranged from .80 to .88. The Multiple regression analyses was employed to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance with the aid of SPSS. Results revealed that, social rehabilitation activities, substance use disorder rehabilitation activities, recreational rehabilitation activities, vocational rehabilitation activities, health/wellbeing rehabilitation activities, emotional rehabilitation activities and behavioural modification activities jointly/significantly predict mental health of inmates in correctional centres in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study recommends among others that correctional centres should develop and implement social skills training programmes to enhance inmates' communication and interpersonal skills; encourage group therapy and support groups to foster positive relationships among inmates and provide opportunities for inmates to engage in community service and volunteer work to promote social responsibility.