Date
2-28-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Laura Rolen
Keywords
Phenomenological Approach, Systemic Oppression, Mental Health, Rehabilitation
Disciplines
Educational Psychology | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Vennissica F., "Exploring Mental Health, Future Rehabilitation, and Systemic Oppression in Inmates: A Qualitative Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6505.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6505
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of systemic oppression in incarcerated inmates, with a focus on their emotional/psychological experience of systemic oppression and how it impacted their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. This phenomenological study used elements of the narrative approach to obtain the common themes that surfaced while communicating with the participants and focused on two areas: systemic oppression and how it affected the mental health of inmates and how it affected their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. For this purpose, systemic oppression was defined as systemic power used to control others. To gather all pertinent information, individual interviews of 12 participants (3 were in close relationship with someone who was or is incarcerated and 9 had been incarcerated) were conducted. The participants were asked to share their experiences surrounding systemic oppression in general and then were requested to share their experiences with systemic oppression while incarcerated. NVivo was utilized to analyze the data, and four main themes surfaced: mistreatment, abuse of power, lack of trust, and education. Analyzing these themes provided insight into how inmates’ mental health is impacted by systemic oppression, as well as provide implications toward their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. Future research is needed to explore other variables such as demographics, geographical location, religion, and education.
