Coping with incarceration: Evidence from female inmates in Malaysia

Abstract

Previous research suggests that ineffective coping during incarceration may increase inmates’ vulnerability to maladjustment, misconduct, and psychological distress. At the same time, counseling and other psychosocial supports may help strengthen inmates’ emotional adjustment and well-being. However, empirical research on coping strategies among prison inmates in Malaysia remains limited, particularly among female inmates. This study explored the preferred coping strategies practiced by female inmates during incarceration in one of the prisons located in Malaysia’s southern region. A total of 123 female inmates participated in the survey. Data were collected using the COPE Inventory and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the five most frequently practiced coping strategies were putting trust in God, finding comfort in religion, seeking God’s help, learning from the experience, and praying more than usual. Overall, the respondents demonstrated a moderately high level of coping. These findings provide useful insights for improving the psychological well-being of inmates and contribute to the development of correctional counseling practices in Malaysia.