Ce travail de thèse restitue une part de notre expérience de psychologue clinicienne en centre de détention, établissement pénitentiaire qui est dévolu à l'exécution de la peine. À partir de la psychothérapie de patients condamnés à une peine de réclusion criminelle (soit à un minimum de dix ans d'emprisonnement), nous avons dégagé deux questions principales et complémentaires pour orienter notre recherche : à quelles conditions la situation traversée par ces patients peut-elle constituer une ouverture au travail psychothérapeutique ? Quelle est place du judiciaire dans cette expérience et par quels effets se manifeste-t-il ? Le centre de détention étant le lieu désigné pour que s'élaborent les suites du procès pénal, nous étudions la marque de ce dernier dans le vécu des patients et sur le cadre thérapeutique. Le procès étant l'instance et l'évènement qui lie le sujet à son crime et à sa condamnation, nous proposons de parler de « judiciaire-carcéral » pour souligner l'intrication de ces dimensions, spécifiant le vécu de l'enfermement en tant que peine. Faisant l'hypothèse que le crime, la condamnation et l'enfermement sont susceptibles d'actualiser des enjeux essentiels de la constitution psychique, nous exposons les situations de trois patients rencontrés dans un cadre psychothérapique hebdomadaire. L'analyse du matériel met en relief les ressorts du travail de subjectivation tel qu'il peut s'opérer durant ce temps de réclusion et, éventuellement, instaurer un nouveau rapport du sujet à lui-même. Nous concluons sur les limites méthodologiques de notre recherche et sur les voies qu'elle invite à explorer dans de futurs travaux. / This thesis work shows a part of our experience as a clinical psychologist within a detention center, which is the institution destined to the execution of sentences. Studying the therapy of patients who were condemned to criminal imprisonment (for ten years or more), we identified two major and complementary questions to guide our research : under which conditions the situation patients went through could be an opening to psychotherapeutic work ? What is the judicial system's role among this experience and how does it manifest itself ? The detention center being the designated place for the criminal trial sentences to set up, we study the impression this latter left in patients mind and in the therapeutic context. The trial being the event connecting the subject to his crime and his punishment, we offer to talk about "judicial-prison system" in order to emphasise the intricacy of these dimensions which specifies the incarceration experience as a sentence. Assuming that the crime, the sentence and the incarceration are likely to update essentials issues of the mental constitution, we present the situations of three patients we met along a weekly psychotherapeutic setting. The material analysis highlights the subjectivation process mechanisms, showing how it can operate during this detention and, eventually, create a new self-consciousness. As a conclusion we discuss the methodological limits of our research and the new ways it can invite the coming studies to explore.

Title: The impact of physical activity on the quality of life of persons serving a term of imprisonment Aims: The main aim of this thesis is to detect, if the health-oriented fitness and the level of quality of life of persons serving a term of imprisonment increases after ten weeks of a regular exercise. Another aim is to find out, if the results of the observed aspects of persons who did take part in the exercise programme will be much different from those who did not. Methods: This is an empiric-theoretical research thesis. Four ensembles took part in this quantitative research. The ensembles I. (N=5) and II. (N=7) filled out a self- designed questionnaire about quality of life and were tested for health-oriented fitness with the Fitnessgram test battery. The partial motor tests evaluate endurance, muscle strength and flexibility. This measurement was hold before and after a ten weeks long organized exercise program. The ensembles III. (N=15) and IV. (N=15) only filled out the questionnaire of quality of life twice, in the same period as the ensembles I. and II. Results: The results showed a positive impact of regular physical activity on the physical condition of the participants, because most of them improved their health- oriented fitness. Alongside the higher value of the quality of life in...

Mass incarceration is a public health issue that impacts millions of Americans. Draconian drug laws, over-policing, and unfair sentencing policies rooted in racism have led to the incarceration of millions of Black and Latinx people in the past four decades. Mass incarceration not only has collateral consequences for the health of the incarcerated, but also fortheir partners and children across multiple dimensions. This cross-sectional study recruited participants using social media, email, and text messages. Those who identified as Black or Latinx, age 20 or older, and who had a partner who was incarcerated for at least three months were eligible for study participation. The study was novel in asking for ratings of physical and mental/emotional health for four time periods: before their partner’s incarceration, after their partner’s incarceration, the year after their partner’s release, and “now”/currently. Results showed significant declines in both physical and mental/emotional health (e.g., a decline in ratings for during their partner’s incarceration from the pre-incarceration level), as well as improvements (e.g., improvement for the period “now”/currently from the during incarceration level). Also, when rating their children for the same four time periods for physical health, mental/emotional health, behavioral conduct, and school performance, a similar pattern of both declines and improvements was found. Findings argued for the importance of a methodology using multiple time periods for obtaining ratings, and for a resilience framework to accommodate interpretation of improvements. Further, having a greater number of children, being currently employed, having a lower income, and a lower rating of mental health during their partner’s incarceration were four significant predictors found in the regression models for both study outcome variables: i.e., (1) a higher negative impact from a partner’s incarceration on multiple dimensions; and (2) more harmful mental health consequences for partners of the incarcerated. Findings provided evidence for an especially underserved at-risk subset within the population of diverse male and female partners of the incarcerated: i.e., Black and Latinx women with a high number of children who are employed yet earning low wages—while suffering from severe mental health symptoms. Implications of the findings and recommendations are discussed.

In the late parts of the year 2023, the Swedish government through the Justice department released a document investigating the regulation on custodial measures for young people. This documents main suggestion is to enact specially regulated child prisons. In this thesis this investigation is analysed using Carol Bacchi’s WPR model which finds that the problem that is discovered surrounds the rise of grave criminal activity amongst young people, especially involved in criminal gangs. Since Sweden has the CRC incorporated in the law, the compatibility with the convention has also been studied. The investigation shows clear consideration regarding children’s rights priority. The topics the best interests of the child, gang criminality in Sweden and incarceration of children has been included as previous research in this thesis and contribute to the analysis. The findings show that whilst much acknowledgement is made towards children’s rights in the SOU investigation, key threads of children in gang criminality is not included.

This research was undertaken to establish the effect incarceration of individuals in the total institution called prison has on the incarcerated individuals. A literature study along with an empirical study, with 17 ex-inmates, was completed to explore the environment and circumstances of the institution called prison and the effect it has on the prisoners it incarcerates. Issues discussed include the prison environment, the prisonisation process, the inmate code and the process of incarceration. Also discussed are the presence, activities and influence of the gangs within the prison environment. It would appear that prison has a lasting effect on most prisoners and limited rehabilitative value, although there does appear to be some deterrence value. The subject begs further investigation, especially among a wider mix of inmate type, in order to deliver further recommendations to the South African Department of Correctional Services. / Social work / M.A.(Social Science)

This research was undertaken to establish the effect incarceration of individuals in the total institution called prison has on the incarcerated individuals. A literature study along with an empirical study, with 17 ex-inmates, was completed to explore the environment and circumstances of the institution called prison and the effect it has on the prisoners it incarcerates. Issues discussed include the prison environment, the prisonisation process, the inmate code and the process of incarceration. Also discussed are the presence, activities and influence of the gangs within the prison environment. It would appear that prison has a lasting effect on most prisoners and limited rehabilitative value, although there does appear to be some deterrence value. The subject begs further investigation, especially among a wider mix of inmate type, in order to deliver further recommendations to the South African Department of Correctional Services. / Social work / M.A.(Social Science)

Research regarding the imprisonment of a family member has mainly focused on the effects of parental imprisonment on the children in that family. Literature indicates that the child of an imprisoned parent has to deal with numerous challenges, including stigma and shame related to their parent‟s arrest and imprisonment. Other common feelings these children might experience include anger, confusion and sadness. Furthermore these children often experience pressure related to keeping the imprisonment a secret from those close to them. These children might also face multiple separations from the imprisoned parent, experience changes with regards to residence, school and friendships, adoption of adult roles and responsibilities, financial distress, lack of supervision and more. When compared to literature regarding parental imprisonment relatively few studies have been done on the effects of imprisonment on the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The available research indicates there are numerous implications for the family as a whole. Some of these implications include stigma, financial stress, role changes within the family, relational problems between family members (including extended family), challenges in dealing with the criminal justice system and emotional distress (feelings of loneliness, anxiety, isolation and worry). The aim of this study was to explore and describe the changes that take place in family functioning when a member of that family is imprisoned as they are perceived by the members of the nuclear family. A qualitative description (descriptive) research approach was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Six voluntary participants (all family members of imprisoned individuals) from four families were recruited. Participants were aged between 15 and 75, consisted of one male and five females. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. These interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed. Initial questions for the semi-structured interviews were obtained using the McMaster Model of Family Functioning as a guiding framework. Therefore, first deductive (directed) content analysis was used, after which thematic analysis was then done on the transcribed data. From the analysis two main themes and nine subthemes emerged. It was found that participants relied more on their family members for problem solving, were generally more open-hearted and honest with their communication towards each other while limiting potentially distressing communication and they experienced changes in the roles and responsibilities within the family. Participants also reported experiencing new emotions (positive and negative) and experienced increased support, understanding and involvement from their family members. They furthermore experienced changes in behaviour control and household rules ranging from rigid to laissez-faire and often fluctuating between these. Some participants reported experiencing more support from outside the family. Participants furthermore reported feeling stigmatised and isolated within their communities. They also experienced gaining resilience and inner strength and found strength through their religious beliefs. The findings of this study can‟t be generalized due to the limited demographic variability and small sample size. Limited research is available regarding the changes in family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member in the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The identification of religion and resilience (as subthemes identified from the data) as they relate to coping is probably the most important contribution of this study as it is not discussed in any of the models of family functioning mentioned in this study, including the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. It is recommended that further research focus on both resilience and religion as they relate to coping and possibly contribute to family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member. It is furthermore suggested that specific intervention programs be developed to help families function effectively after the imprisonment of a family member. These intervention programs might include group work with different families or working with individual families either with skills development, psycho-education or therapeutically. / MA (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Research regarding the imprisonment of a family member has mainly focused on the effects of parental imprisonment on the children in that family. Literature indicates that the child of an imprisoned parent has to deal with numerous challenges, including stigma and shame related to their parent‟s arrest and imprisonment. Other common feelings these children might experience include anger, confusion and sadness. Furthermore these children often experience pressure related to keeping the imprisonment a secret from those close to them. These children might also face multiple separations from the imprisoned parent, experience changes with regards to residence, school and friendships, adoption of adult roles and responsibilities, financial distress, lack of supervision and more. When compared to literature regarding parental imprisonment relatively few studies have been done on the effects of imprisonment on the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The available research indicates there are numerous implications for the family as a whole. Some of these implications include stigma, financial stress, role changes within the family, relational problems between family members (including extended family), challenges in dealing with the criminal justice system and emotional distress (feelings of loneliness, anxiety, isolation and worry). The aim of this study was to explore and describe the changes that take place in family functioning when a member of that family is imprisoned as they are perceived by the members of the nuclear family. A qualitative description (descriptive) research approach was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Six voluntary participants (all family members of imprisoned individuals) from four families were recruited. Participants were aged between 15 and 75, consisted of one male and five females. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. These interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed. Initial questions for the semi-structured interviews were obtained using the McMaster Model of Family Functioning as a guiding framework. Therefore, first deductive (directed) content analysis was used, after which thematic analysis was then done on the transcribed data. From the analysis two main themes and nine subthemes emerged. It was found that participants relied more on their family members for problem solving, were generally more open-hearted and honest with their communication towards each other while limiting potentially distressing communication and they experienced changes in the roles and responsibilities within the family. Participants also reported experiencing new emotions (positive and negative) and experienced increased support, understanding and involvement from their family members. They furthermore experienced changes in behaviour control and household rules ranging from rigid to laissez-faire and often fluctuating between these. Some participants reported experiencing more support from outside the family. Participants furthermore reported feeling stigmatised and isolated within their communities. They also experienced gaining resilience and inner strength and found strength through their religious beliefs. The findings of this study can‟t be generalized due to the limited demographic variability and small sample size. Limited research is available regarding the changes in family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member in the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The identification of religion and resilience (as subthemes identified from the data) as they relate to coping is probably the most important contribution of this study as it is not discussed in any of the models of family functioning mentioned in this study, including the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. It is recommended that further research focus on both resilience and religion as they relate to coping and possibly contribute to family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member. It is furthermore suggested that specific intervention programs be developed to help families function effectively after the imprisonment of a family member. These intervention programs might include group work with different families or working with individual families either with skills development, psycho-education or therapeutically. / MA (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Penology / (M.A. (Penology)

Quantified decision-making refers to the scaling of factors such as crime seriousness, risk assessment, violation severity, and punitive responses or intensity of surveillance. As such, it is largely based on the justice principle, according to which the punitive response should be commensurate with the crime committed. This study consequently looks at the applicability of a retributive stance towards probation, and suggests a quantified, or structured, approach to decision-making in probation with special reference to the South African situation. Referring to historical and ideological precedents, it is maintained that the current crisis in corrections - referring to the congestion of prison facilities and the negative spin-offs related to it - can, to a large extent, be ascribed to an over reliance on imprisonment as a sentencing option. It is argued that imprisonment can be seen as a failure in terms of both its basic motives, and more importantly, with regard to its unintended consequences, necessitating a search for viable sentencing alternatives. With regard to probation, and Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) in particular, this study recognizes its limitations, but maintains that probation still holds the greatest potential as a workable alternative to incarceration. In view of South African corrections, that is plagued by prison overcrowding, on the one hand, and certain structural shortcomings, on the other, a structured probation system is proposed that will evade the weaknesses of subjective decisionmaking, which often act to intensify the crisis. It is proposed that quantified decision-making tools be developed that will replace both sentencing and revocation decisions. It is further suggested that an effective risk prediction instrument be developed to guide the probation process. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil.