Well-being of female convicts in Serbian prisons: personal autonomy and personal development

Pavićević, Olivera (2024) Well-being of female convicts in Serbian prisons: personal autonomy and personal development. In: Prison environment: a female perspective. Institute of Criminological and Sociological Research, Belgrade, pp. 261-274. ISBN 978-86-80756-68-4

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Abstract

The paper delves into the analysis of well-being, considering social, psychological, gender, and other theoretical aspects. Its objective is to explore ways for achieving and enhancing the level of well-being among female prisoners within the context of prison life. The theoretical examination primarily focuses on concepts essential for well-being, namely personal autonomy and personal development. Drawing from philosophical and psychological theories, personal autonomy and personal development are seen as sub-dimensions of overall well-being within the framework of researching the quality of prison life (MQPL). A fundamental and extensive thesis of research on the potential for identity transformation in prisons implies the necessity of a supportive environment conducive to fostering growth identities. This thesis recognizes the individual's agency in shaping and evolving their identity while undergoing a process of redefining their values, ultimately leading to desistance from criminal behaviour. It envisions the development of a pro-social, positive identity rooted in elements such as relationships, trust, well-being, and openness. Research conducted as part of the PrisonLIFE project at the only women's prison in Serbia, the Correctional Institution for Women in Požarevac, has validated that various factors impact the levels of personal autonomy and personal development among female inmates. Notably, differences emerge in how female inmates assess their prison experience concerning various aspects of well-being and development, as outlined in the MQPL framework. Female prisoners rated the dimension of well-being significantly lower than both personal development and personal autonomy. This suggests that female inmates may perceive feelings of pain, punishment, and tension associated with incarceration more intensely compared to their engagement in activities related to personal growth and preparation for reintegration into society, as well as their sense of agency and self-determination within the prison environment.

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