Coping, adjustment, perceived social support, and age as predictors of depressed mood among male maximum-security incarcerated offenders

Abstract

Correctional centres tend to negatively impact the mental health of incarcerated offenders, especially those unable to cope with or adjust to the correctional environment. Studies show higher rates of psychiatric disorders like depression among offenders compared to the general population. This study aimed to determine individual and combinations of possible predictors of depressed mood amongst adult male maximum-security incarcerated offenders. This study included 418 South African male incarcerated offenders, sampled using convenience sampling, and used a quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design. The PAQ subscales (Internal Adjustment, External Adjustment, and Physical Adjustment) collectively accounted for 11.6% of the variance in the depressed mood. Hierarchical regression analysis further indicated that internal adjustment and physical adjustment were the only individual predictor variables that statistically and practically significantly predicted depressed mood. This study's findings could aid in understanding the role of adjustment in developing and maintaining depressive mood states in the correctional environment.