Relationship Between Locus of Control and Criminal Behaviour Among Inmates at Thika Prison, Kenya
Date
2012
Authors
Ouma, Caroline A.
Musili, Phelista M.
Mwenje, Margaret
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyan Journal of Guidance, Counselling and Psychology
Abstract
The rate of crime in the country is increasing tremendously. Most criminals relapse back to crime once they are released after serving their jail term. This trend only shows that there is need to make Kenya prisons a transformative environment for prisoners. The study was based on Rotter's locus of control model to identify control orientation of prisoners. It is through such a process that a classification can be made of which prisoners have a disposition that is liable to transformation of attitudes and those who believe that what happens to them is not under their control. It is against this background that the present study was designed to explore the Locus of control of male and female inmates at Thika prison. A descriptive survey was adopted. The study sample comprised of 250 inmates (213 male and 37 female). Stratified random sampling was used to select participants. The survey was directed at identifying the Locus of control of inmates using the Locus of Control scale (I-E scale). Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings established that majority of inmates manifested an internal Locus of Control, with the recidivists manifesting an external control orientation. Since internals are people who believe they can introduce order in their lives and their destiny, it can be deduced that the prison has an inability to empower and support the positive direction of inmates. The prison may also have support services which are not strong enough to redirect psychological attitudes, beliefs of recidivists. In light of these, there is there is need to incorporate professional counselling to assist recidivists to redirect their beliefs and attitudes, as a result transform their control orientation.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Criminal Behavior, Internal and External Orientation, Locus of Control, Recidivist
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