A Qualitative Investigation on The Lived Experiences of Incarcerated Elders

Full text

Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at
https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=wjor20
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation
ISSN: (Print) (Online) Journal homepage: www.tandfonline.com/journals/wjor20
A Qualitative Investigation on The Lived
Experiences of Incarcerated Elders
Christian Sam F. Camuyong
To cite this article: Christian Sam F. Camuyong (07 Oct 2024): A Qualitative Investigation
on The Lived Experiences of Incarcerated Elders, Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, DOI:
10.1080/10509674.2024.2406751
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/10509674.2024.2406751
Published online: 07 Oct 2024.
Submit your article to this journal
View related articles
View Crossmark data

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION
A Qualitative Investigation on The Lived Experiences
of Incarcerated Elders
Christian Sam F. Camuyong
Psychology Department, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Iba, Zambales, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of incarcer-
ated elders. Qualitative research design, specifically hermeneu-
tic phenomenology was utilized in obtaining its objectives. The
study found that elderly persons deprived of liberty were
unsatisfied and had a low quality of life, which included unmet
psychological and physiological needs. It also indicated that
poor prison management of the facility is the cause of unsatis-
fied life. Lastly, despite the deprivation of freedom, incarcerated
elders were still able to acquire positive insights into their
experiences inside the pre-detention facility that may help
them as they are reintroduced to society.
Introduction
To promote justice and the general welfare of the public, anyone who
violates the law mandated by the government will be punished under the
constitution of the State. Violation of the law includes criminal and admin-
istrative cases and terrorism. One of the government’s actions in penalizing
an individual’s crimes and violations is detention. Furthermore, persons
with ongoing trials were also put in local pre-detention facilities until the
court decision was released. The government took off their freedom to
get along with the community to preserve order in society against violence
and crimes (Elcano etal., 2020). As part of detention, their activities were
monitored and restricted per the policy of the jail and the State. According
to the Bureau of Correction (2013) of the Philippines, incarcerated persons
should still have their rights as human beings. These were explained in
the formulation of the law, which addresses the rights and welfare of
persons deprived of liberty in terms of safekeeping, security, and refor-
mation programs that will contribute to their self-development as they are
reintroduced to society.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10509674.2024.2406751
© 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
CONTACT Christian Sam F. Camuyong cscamuyong@gmail.com Psychology Department, President
Ramon Magsaysay State University, Iba, Zambales, Philippines.
Facebook: Christian Sam Camuyong
KEYWORDS
elderly; incarceration;
lived experiences;
phenomenology;
Philippines

2 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
Further, the implementation of the Republic Act No. 10575 otherwise
known as the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013 aims to strengthen the
correctional services in the country. The law involves the safekeeping,
security as well as reformation of national inmates and the jail adminis-
tration. In addition, part of the activities that are included in the refor-
mation program are focused on the moral and spiritual aspects of
incarcerated individuals. Further education and training, work and liveli-
hood, sports and recreation, health and welfare, and behavior modification
intervention are also included in the program. Despite incarceration, indi-
viduals can still practice their human rights such as the provision of
adequate basic needs (shelter, clothes, food, and medicine), proper custody,
efficient recovery programs, and implementation of detention laws and
procedures to eliminate prison violence (The Bureau of Corrections Act,
Rule IV, 2013).
Incarceration results in various impacts on a person’s life. Beckett and
Goldberg (2022) discussed that incarceration significantly influences an
individual’s mental, physical, social, and economic well-being. Elcano
et al. (2020) also mentioned that incarceration might result in risky
behavior, which develops into an unsatisfied quality of life. According
to De Smet et al. (2017), life satisfaction is one aspect of the quality of
life among incarcerated individuals that is diminished, particularly by
the elderly. Offenders experienced dissatisfaction with their physical
environment, way of living, and routine tasks inside the pre-detention
facility.
Furthermore, Mannocci etal. (2015) also explained that physical activ-
ities were another determinant of the quality of life among incarcerated
individuals. Since their freedom was restricted and activities were moni-
tored, accused offenders of the law experienced boredom, leading to
depleted physical well-being due to a lack of other physical activities.
Moreover, De Smet et al., 2017, emphasized that pre-detention facility
management should also address the needs of prisoners, particularly their
interests and feelings.
Several studies have been conducted abroad to determine the mental
health status of individuals deprived of liberty; however, a limited study
focuses on exploring the lived experiences of incarcerated elders, specifi-
cally in the local context. Furthermore, Asadullah etal. (2012) mentioned
that elderly individuals might experience various implications for their
mental health, social relationships, and physical and financial status. In
addition, Augustyn et al. (2020) emphasized that there was a difference
in the experiences of elders and young individuals inside the detention
facility. Moreover, the authors also elaborated that detention facilities may
need more time to be ready to address the individual needs of incarcerated
individuals. Thus, the study was conducted to investigate the lived

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 3
experiences of incarcerated individuals in a local pre-detention facility in
Central Luzon, Philippines.
Research objectives
With the previous literature, the study investigated the lived experiences
of incarcerated elders in a local pre-detention facility in Central Luzon,
Philippines. Furthermore, it specifically intended to determine the chal-
lenges and the coping strategies they employ to counter them; and unveil
their insights about their experience in a local pre-detention facility.
Methodology
Research design
In investigating the lived experiences of incarcerated elders in a local
pre-detention facility in Central Luzon, Philippines, the study employed
a Qualitative Design- Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach. As to
Creswell (2013), a qualitative research design is used to explore a variable
that cannot be easily measured yet is considered significant to society. A
phenomenological approach, according to Creswell (2013, p. 76), “describes
the common meaning for several individuals of their lived-experiences of
a concept or a phenomenon.” Hermeneutics is a type of phenomenological
inquiry that focuses on interpreting individuals’ experiences. A lack or
restriction of freedom characterizes incarceration as a social phenomenon
due to accused or proven violations or crimes against the State (Benedetti
et al., 2020) to protect the general welfare of the public (Elcano et al.,
2020), which could result to risky behavior and depleted view of their life
and the world (Lambie & Randell, 2013).
Conceptual framework
Figure 1 illustrated the concept of the study. Challenges experienced and
coping mechanisms employed by the incarcerated elders are two separate
variables. However, they are considered interrelated, specifically when they
learned to cope with the challenges encountered inside the pre-detention
facility. It is said that the challenges experienced by the respondent con-
tribute to the personal insight they have developed inside the local pre-de-
tention facility. Moreover, the respondents’ coping mechanism also
influenced how they view life inside the pre-detention facility. The variables
were obtained through semi-structured interviews with the respondents.
More so, the data collected were subjected to analysis.

4 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
Participants and setting
Five incarcerated elders were chosen and agreed to participate in the study
based on the selection criteria of the study and were chosen as informants
of the study. Additionally, Asadullah et al. (2012) discussed that these
individuals have a different detention experience compared to younger
ones regarding health and other personal factors. Furthermore, a limited
study focused on the selected population in the local context.
After meeting and seeking approval from the Warden of the local pre-de-
tention facility in Central Luzon, Philippines, for the conduct of the study,
there were only five (5) incarcerated elders that were (a) 50 years old and
above, (b) trial for three years and (c) have not been reintroduced to society,
were purposively invited, agreed to participate, and met the inclusion criteria.
Data saturation was also met because of the repetition of responses, and
there was no new information collected. According to Faulkner and Trotter
(2017), data saturation is the point in qualitative data collection in which
the researcher actualizes the depth of the information needed to attain its
objective, and no new significant data is discovered. Despite the limited
number of respondents in the current undertaking, there is data saturation
due to the limitation of inclusion criteria. Mandal (2018) explained that data
saturation, compared to quantitative research, is not focused on the number
of respondents that represent a population but on exploring the range of
information provided by respondents qualified the criterion of the study
conducted. Lastly, participants haven’t received any monetary and other related
incentive for their participation, for their participation is purely voluntary.
Participants prole
In order to maintain the anonymity of the respondents in accordance with
the Data Privacy Act of the Philippines, they were given nicknames.
Ellise
Ellise is 54-year-old married woman with 2 children. She was a former
government employee who was accused in the Estafa case. She was at the
pre-detention facility for three and a half years and still on-going trial.
Figure 1. Diagram showing the concept of the study.

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 5
Albert
Albert is 57 years 57-year-old individual who was a former church minister
prior to his arrest. He is married and has 4 children. He was in the
pre-detention facility for 4 years because of the accusation of raping one
of the classmates of her daughter.
Roel
Roel is a 55-year-old widow and a father of three children. He was accused
as drug pusher for selling illegal drugs (methamphetamine) locally. He
was in the pre-detention facility for 3 years and four months.
Shiela
Shiela is a 52-year-old single mother with an 18-year-old daughter. She
worked as a part-time employee in a small cafeteria in her locality. She
was in the prevention facility for about 4 years due to the Estafa case filed
by her neighbor.
Nelson
Nelson is 51 years old, married, and has two children. He was in the
pre-detention facility for three years and 7 months because of being accused
of child abuse toward his own son which was filed by his sister-in-law.
Data collection
Prior to data collection, approval from the pre-detention facility admin-
istrator was sought. Then, informed consent, which includes the rationale
and purpose of the study, the risks and benefits of their participation, and
their right to confidentiality and to withdraw, was obtained from the
qualified participants before the interview through in-person distribution
and retrieval, which was subjected to the detention center’s approval,
assistance, and monitoring. The data was collected through an in-person
interview, which was subjected to the availability of the participants after
the day of retrieval of the informed consent form.
The study utilized semi-structured guide questions in accordance with
its objectives, which were subjected to content validation and translation
by experts in the field. These experts were licensed psychology practitioners
and researchers who obtained master’s degrees. Prior to data collection,
the validated instrument underwent a pilot interview with individuals
having a similar criterion to the participants from the same detention
center. The results of the interview were reviewed by the adviser prior to
data collection for actual participants.

6 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
After the interview, the collected data were subjected to transcription
and data analysis, in which results underwent validation from experts who
are psychology practitioners and researchers who obtained master’s degrees
relevant to the field of psychology. Interview results and other significant
data from the participants were stored in a flash drive encrypted with a
password to avoid the leakage of information relative to the participants
and to the interview process. The collected data will be deleted after the
approval of the manuscript of this research.
Qualitative data analysis
In analyzing the collected data, the study employed Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to unveil the lived experiences of incar-
cerated individuals in a local pre-detention facility in Central Luzon,
Philippines. Smith and Fieldsend (2021) explained IPA as a type of data
analysis in research that focuses on the explaining lived experiences of an
individual in a certain social phenomenon. Although Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis is almost similar to the steps of other inductive
approaches in qualitative research, it focuses on the in-depth descriptions
and interpretations of respondents’ lived experiences that influence their
lives (Alase, 2017).
It focused on the interpretation of experience, the way it is perceived
by the respondent and not by the researcher. This type of data analysis
fitted in attaining the objectives and the philosophical underpinnings of
the study, which focused on the nature of realities or meanings of multiple
respondents experiencing similar phenomena.
Results and discussion
Respondents’ challenges experienced in a local pre-n detention facility and
coping strategies they employed to encounter them
Respondents experienced several challenges during their pre-detention,
including being lonely, worried about their physical health, physically
abused, and lacking in basic needs. Respondents also became resilient in
response to the challenges they encountered.
Being lonely
One of the challenges that respondents encountered was being lonely.
As embedded in the Philippines’ laws and regulations, accused offenders
were put in a pre-detention facility as the trial continued. These
circumstances resulted in the separation of accused individuals from
their relatives until the decision of the judicial court acquitted them.

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 7
This separation of accused elders deprived of liberty resulted in sadness
and anxiety among them.
One of the respondents mentioned,
e number one problem encountered of being incarcerated is being separated from
the loved ones, especially my immediate family. I feel lonely in this place in which
no one can comfort me, [Ellise]
In addition, another respondent expressed,
Of course, I feel sad, because there is no one I can lean on in times of problem.
ere’s no one with whom I can share my problems. If there’s something that I need
or something that is painful in my body, I have nobody to rely on. I only feel sad-
ness and loneliness. [Albert]
Physical separation of elders deprived of liberty from their loved ones
is one of their challenges because criminal accusations resulted in negative
emotions among the respondents. Loneliness develops a feeling of aban-
donment, forgetting, and disconnection from society among individuals
deprived of liberty which has a negative consequence not just in the
interpersonal context but also in interpersonal (Schliehe et al., 2022).
Furthermore, Puvill et al. (2016) emphasized that loneliness and other
serious mental health problems may cause difficulty in having a positive
outcome and, hence, experience displeasure and unhappiness. Social sup-
port among individuals deprived of liberty is significant in easing loneli-
ness. Limited social support may result in difficulty adjusting to the culture
and environment inside the detention facility, thus, leading to more serious
mental health problems such as anxiety and inability to cope with chal-
lenges (Hewson et al., 2020). In addition, regular visitation of family
members and maintenance of family ties contributes positively to the
mental health of persons deprived of liberty (Hairston, 1991). With these
experiences, Mefoh etal. (2016) suggested that pre-detention facilities may
consider formulating various meaningful activities and programs that may
increase active engagement among persons deprived of liberty. Active
engagement increases the pro-social relationship, thus increasing the quality
of life among persons deprived of liberty (Kansky, 2017). Furthermore,
physical activities, according to Mannocci et al. (2015), may help increase
the quality of incarcerated elders, specifically those who frequently expe-
rience boredom inside the premises of pre-detention facilities.
Being worried over physical health
Elders deprived of liberty who were sick and had health maintenance were
also worried about their physical health due to the futile healthcare service
of the local pre-detention facility. Ineffective healthcare services involved
the scarcity of relevant medicine needed by the respondents. Aside from
the scarcity of medicine, respondents also experienced difficulty requesting

8 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
it once available. In addition, some respondents stressed that the pre-de-
tention facility is not addressing their food restrictions, affecting their
health. Respondents have no choice but to eat the food they provided in
the pre-detention facility, despite its negative effect on their health, because
if not, it will result in hunger.
As stressed by one of the respondents,
e medicines inside the premises of this pre-detention facility are not available most
of the time, if available it is very dicult for us to avail it. e personnel can’t pro-
vide us the medicines we need specically if the physical pain we feel is intolerable.
[Roel]
Also, other respondents emphasized,
ere are foods that are restricted to me because of my health condition, specically
those are fatty foods, however, because of hunger, I have no choice but to eat it
because that is the only food that is available. Even if it is harmful to my health
condition, I have no choice but to eat rather than to die of hunger. [Albert]
With those experiences, Lambdin etal. (2018) also disclosed that there
are some persons deprived of liberty were unsatisfied with the health care
system they experienced in a detention facility, wherein some of the ill-
nesses present prior to their detention worsened (Lanzano et al., 2023).
In addition, Carda-Auten etal. (2022) revealed that the problems encoun-
tered in detention facilities relative to the health care system were scarcity
of medical resources, lower quality health care, and limited services for
those who have health maintenance, specifically in the local or small
detention facilities. These concerns were contrary to the prison health
management of the World Health Organization, which recognized the
relevance of prison health management and services among individuals
deprived of liberty (Enggist et al., 2014). Furthermore, Browning et al.
(2018) revealed that it is more difficult for old-aged persons deprived of
liberty and vulnerable to illness to be separated from family members due
to pre-detention because no one will take care of them and address the
health care service they need.
Being physically abused
Another challenge is that incarcerated elders have been physically abused.
This physical abuse is through the charging of electric shocks among the
respondents that causes severe pain. Aside from these, most of the respon-
dents experienced extortion upon entry into the pre-detention facility.
This practice or culture is also present in a local pre-detention facility,
even if their case is still on trial. Prison violence initiated by detention
facility personnel is also present and experienced by old-aged persons
deprived of liberty.

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 9
One of the respondents stated,
Some of the detention facility personnel give painful physical attacks and discom-
fort. We are being punched and mistreated and sometimes given electric shocks. It
doesn’t mean that we are in the pre-detention center, we have no right, that they
can give us electric shock whenever they want to. at is injustice among us. [Roel]
As expressed by one of the respondents,
Well, upon entry in this pre-detention facility, of course, there is some extortion they
gave among us. ey have what they call the provision of electric shock. Even we
there is no court decision about the accusation towards us, we are treated as crimi-
nals, they do activities that cause physical pain among us. [Shiela]
Threats and violence were present in detention centers, which led to
physical abuse among individuals deprived of liberty. Physical violence or
threats experienced by persons deprived of liberty are from detention
facility personnel (Maier & Ricciardelli, 2019). Furthermore, the study
conducted by Antonio and Price (2023) revealed that some of the prison
guards execute beating among prisoners and describe them are rude,
disrespectful, not adhering to policies, incompetent, and unresponsive to
their rights and needs. One of the primary reasons for increasing rates
of prison violence, according to Bierie (2012), is its poor physical condi-
tions as perceived by prison staff, which include noise, clutter dilapidation,
and privacy. Harm, specifically prison violence reduction, is being advo-
cated in detention facilities globally; however, several factors, such as lack
of political leadership and political opposition, served as a barrier to the
realization of this program (Sander & Murphy, 2017).
Lacking in basic needs
Another challenge elders deprived of liberty encountered was the inade-
quacy of basic needs such as food and medicine. These basic human needs
were insufficient for those deprived of liberty inside the pre-detention
facility. Respondents make some alternatives by acquiring medicinal plants
for their health concerns and planting vegetable plants as another
food source.
One of the respondents mentioned,
One of the basic needs that is limited for us is the provision of medicine and other
medical supplies. For example, whenever I got sick, I picked some herbs available on
pre-detention facility premises, to serve as my medicine. ankfully, there are avail-
able herbs that are available in the vicinity of the pre-detention facility. [Nelson]
Another respondent also mentioned,
Since there are limited and routinary meals which are not benecial for us. I plant
some vegetables for me to have additional food. ere is a vacant lot that serves as

10 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
a vegetable garden. ere are some non-prot organizations who visit us and teach
us about gardening, which eventually help us whenever there is limited food for us.
[Ellise]
Adequacy of basic human needs such as food and medical resources is
one of the challenges in detention facilities. Food security and adequacy
are some of the dilemmas in detention facilities. In the research article
of Bardelli et al. (2022), they mentioned that budget cuts of the govern-
ment to the detention facility, which covers the cost of food, health care
supplies, and services, is one of the primary reasons for unmet basic
human needs of individuals deprived with liberty. As a result of the limited
resources available in pre-detention facilities, individuals deprived of liberty
employ several mechanisms, such as sharing food and water, selling belong-
ings, and exchanging sex for food for females in order to satisfy their
survival needs (Badila et al., 2021). In the article by Mai and Subramanian
(2017), that prison spending is an expensive endeavor for it caters to
various needs, which include the adequacy of food and other essential
needs of persons deprived of liberty, such as educational and reformation
programs, infrastructures, and maintenance, specialized health care services,
and other operational costs.
Being resilient
Since life in jail is not used to be experienced by elders deprived of liberty,
they adjust and become more adaptive to the culture, environment, and
even to their basic needs in order to survive and continue living inside
the pre-detention facility. Some respondents try to get along with others
and adjust to the environment and culture they have inside the pre-de-
tention facility. Further, some of the respondents disclosed that they have
courage and confidence that whatever they are experiencing right now
will get through when the court finds them not guilty in their respec-
tive cases.
One of the respondents mentioned,
With this experience of mine, I feel lonely and traumatic at rst. In the latter part,
I tried and been get along with them, trying to embrace my new environment, my
new culture, and my new life. is is the only thing I can do, to adopt and embrace
my current situation. [Shiela]
Further, another respondent explained,
In the challenges that I am encountering right now, especially the loneliness I felt for
years, I take courage and condence that everything that all of these will be gone
soon, and I can be reunited with my family. [Albert]
In the study conducted by Sari et al. (2022), resiliency plays a vital role
in coping with the challenges inside the pre-detention facilities, which was

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 11
influenced by different factors such as environmental support, spirituality,
self-esteem, and self-acceptance, thus resiliency training, according to
Isanejad and Haydarian (2020), contributes in the improvement of quality
of life and satisfaction among persons deprived of liberty, specifically on
their social and environmental domains. In the study conducted by Di
Giuseppe et al. (2022), increasing the resiliency of individuals, especially
those who are experiencing challenging situations like pre-detention, can
be done through participation in various neuropsychological intervention
programs.
Furthermore, the study also revealed that after the neuropsychopeda-
gogical intervention programs, persons deprived of liberty increased the
level of their perceived social support and self-efficacy, became more
flexible, and had a low level of avoidance. Lastly, resiliency plays a vital
role in coping with the challenges of persons deprived of liberty as it
mediates the relationship between mental health and social support, which
are also considered important factors they should acquire.
Respondents’ insights about their experience in a local pre-detention
facility
Living behind bars or in a pre-detention facility uncovers several insights
from the incarcerated elders. During their stay in the facility, some
respondents disclosed that they experienced growing spiritually, becoming
catalysts for change, and developing a positive outlook.
Growing spiritually
Some respondents mentioned that upon their stay in the pre-detention
facility, they were able to develop spiritual and moral maturity, which led
to positive change toward themselves. The spiritual and moral development
acquired inside the pre-detention facility leads the respondents to turn
back from their vises and focus on their spiritual growth. This change is
through the program of the pre-detention facilities in coordination with
other religious organizations.
One of the respondents expressed,
In this place, a lot of religious groups are coming to visit us which required us to
attend their bible studies and other activities. en, I came to know God. Compared
to my case outside of this pre-detention facility, where I am so busy with work, I am
not able to attend church activities. Additionally, in knowing God, I also learned to
turn back from the vices that I hold unto before I was put in this place. [Nelson]
Another participant stated that,
e religious groups who are visiting are sharing dierent bible verses. I am also able
to attend their activities and I’ve heard some religious teachings every week which

12 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
somehow change the way I see myself and the world. I realized how sinful I am and
how God reached me despite my sinfulness. [Roel]
One respondent also mentioned,
A lot of things happen, there is a change in me from the time I’ve entered the facil-
ity, specically in my knowledge and faith in God. Before, I was not active in Bible
Study, but now I’m always present in the weekly bible study. ere are times also
that I am the one who is sharing His word. [Albert]
According to Said and Butler (2023), faith-based programs were con-
sidered one of the most effective measures in developing positive attitudes
and behaviors among individuals deprived of liberty. The authors also
concluded that this program served as a broad collection of coping strat-
egies among individuals deprived of liberty. Moreover, spiritual growth
among individuals deprived of liberty was considered one of the priority
intervention programs of the detention facilities according to Sibisi etal.
(2023) because these intervention programs prepare them as they are
reintroduced to society (Makinde, 2023), specifically in altering their
behaviors and values Schaefer etal. (2016). More so, the study conducted
by Stansfield etal. (2019) revealed that self-perceived spiritual and religious
persons deprived of liberty have a less tendency to be involved in viola-
tions against the policy of the pre-detention facility, thus, highlighting the
relevance of faith-based intervention programs in the moral development
and finding meaning among them.
Becoming a catalyst for change
Furthermore, elderly individuals deprived of liberty catalyze change
among other accused individuals. Some of the respondents serve as an
example to others. They also provide encouragement and inspiration to
those who are weary and experiencing difficulty because of their
situation.
One participant mentioned,
In my stay here, I become one with them. At the same time, I teach and guide
them which results in positive change towards themselves and to our environment.
One of our colleagues who was being feared by other accused individuals also
changed. He has now a new identity because of what I have taught him. [Shiela]
Another respondent emphasized,
Whenever there is conict in our cell, I talk to them. I tell them the consequences
of their actions to us and to the other people around us. Sometimes, I also encour-
age them because ghting and conict can cause nothing to us. [Nelson]
This implied that despite their negative situations where freedom was
taken, respondents can still be a catalyst for change, among others. Social

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 13
support and encouragement provided by other individuals deprived of
liberty play a vital role in reducing prison violence and increasing pro-so-
cial behavior among them (Woo et al., 2016), which leads to a more
peaceful and harmonious environment inside the detention facility. Being
agents of change, individuals deprived of liberty served as advocates of
positive criminology- which helps others determine the causes of their
criminal behavior and how to limit and stop it (Beeler, 2022). Deprivation
of liberty, according to Baird (2001), does not limit the female persons
deprived of liberty to become agents of change in the community outside
the pre-detention facility through their written outputs.
Developing positive outlook
Lastly, elderly individuals deprived of liberty also developed a positive
outlook upon their stay in a pre-detention facility. Respondents could be
trusted by other accused individuals and even facility personnel. This trust
experienced by the respondents results in increased self-esteem toward the
respondents.
One respondent expressed,
In this place where all of us were accused of something they think we have done; it feels
good that there is someone who still trusts me, despite the accusation towards me. [Roel]
In the study conducted by Xin et al. (2019), peer trust and social sup-
port mediate the relationship between self-esteem and social adaptability.
Figure 2. Diagrammatic representation of the ndings of the study.

14 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
Thus, peer trust and social support play a vital role social adaptation of
individuals deprived of liberty. Experience of being trusted, despite status,
can serve as the beginning of a positive change in a person and to the
prison, which leads to a more perspective toward the self (Ugelvik, 2022),
wherein developing a positive outlook and mindset is essential for indi-
viduals deprived with liberty in their self- rehabilitation and development
inside the detention facility (Trasarti, 2023). Moreover, based on the study
conducted by Rahmat and Akhir (2021), which focused on Muslim reli-
gious intervention programs, the pre-detention facilities can be places
where persons deprived of liberty can attain cognitive and behavioral
modifications and able to develop positive outlooks in life. More so, in
order to attain change after their pre-detention, Villman (2021) suggested
that incarcerated elders should apply various self-regulating techniques
such as securing employment outside the detention facility, seeking peer
support, and looking for a different social environment.
On the contrary, based on the study conducted by Lane et al. (2020),
that old- aged persons deprived of liberty are experiencing a negative
outlook because of the increasing risk of their health condition inside the
pre-detention facility; thus, the authors also suggest that counseling pro-
grams and services may be considered by the jail administrator in order
to address these mental health concerns of elderly individuals inside
the center.
Figure 2 presented the diagram that represented the findings of the
study. It showed that incarcerated elders experienced several challenges,
such as being lonely, being worried over their physical health, being phys-
ically abused, and lacking in basic needs. Being resilient is the coping
strategy that old-aged persons deprived of liberty employ to counter their
challenges. More so, incarcerated elders realized that they could grow
spiritually inside the pre-detention facility, become catalysts for change
and develop positive outlooks in life.
Conclusion and recommendation
Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, incarcerated elders were unsatisfied
with their quality of life inside the prison cell. This dissatisfaction includes
their unmet psychological needs, feelings of loneliness and physiological
needs, physical health, and survival needs. Results of this study also indi-
cated that the low quality and unsatisfied life of old-aged persons deprived
of liberty is due to poor prison management of the local pre-detention
facility, which is supposed to be aligned with their needs and rights as
mandated by the law. Moreso, despite the poor prison management,

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 15
persons deprived of liberty were still able to acquire positive realization
toward their experience inside the prison cell.
Recommendations
Based on the study’s findings, family members may often consider visitation
to their relatives living in the pre-detention facility. This may contribute
to the ease of loneliness and anxiety experienced by a person deprived of
liberty. They may also bring additional essential basic needs because of the
scarcity inside the local pre-detention facility, subject to the center’s policy.
Administrators of local pre-detention facilities may also consider revis-
iting their existing policies and guidelines for the safekeeping of persons
deprived of liberty. This may help address the needs of persons deprived
of liberty residing in the facility. Moreover, consultation and feedback
from the persons deprived of liberty may also be essential in managing
pre-detention facilities.
The results of this study may also consider restructuring the manage-
ment and conducting psychological and reformation intervention programs
in jails or pre-detention facilities in the country. According to Thijssen
et al. (2023), these policies and programs should address the individual
differences, needs, and motivations of individuals deprived of liberty.
The study is purely qualitative in nature with a limited number of
participants where findings are solely based on their experiences which
may limit the result of the study; hence, future researchers may consider
conducting the study through a mixed method research design in order
to gain a deeper understanding on the experiences of old- aged individuals
deprived with liberty. In addition, since the study is focused on accused
old-aged individuals deprived of liberty, where court trials last only from
1 to 4 years in the Philippines before the issuance of the court decision,
it also suggests considering conducting a study focusing on the experiences
of sentenced criminals from other sectors of society with at least 10 years
of experience for it may provide another perspective in the jail manage-
ment in the country.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank the Officer in Charge- Office of the Provincial Warden of
Zambales Provincial Jail- Mr. Joseph Tacdoy and all the provincial jail guards and partici-
pants for their participation and contribution to the realization of the study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conict of interest was reported by the author.

16 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
Funding
e research study received no funding for its implementation.
ORCID
Christian Sam F. Camuyong http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4585-0511
References
Alase, A. (2017). e interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA): A guide to a good
qualitative research approach. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies,
5(2), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.5n.2p.9
Antonio, M. E., & Price, S. R. (2023). Beyond correctional ocers and prison guards:
Understanding inmates’ perceptions, experiences, and interactions with correctional
counselors. Corrections, 8(1), 39–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/23774657.2020.1810173
Asadullah, M., Kuvalekar, K., Katarki, B., Malamardi, S., Khadka, S., & Wagle, S. (2012).
A study on morbidity prole and quality of life of inmates in old age homes in Udupi
district, Karnataka, India. International Journal of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences,
2(3), 91–97.
Augustyn, R. A., ten Bensel, T., Lytle, R. D., Gibbs, B. R., & Sample, L. A. (2020). “Older”
inmates in prison: Considering the tipping point of age and misconduct. Criminology,
Crim. Just. L & Soc’y, 21, 1.
Badila, D. M. M., Mapumulo, S. N., Horwood, C., John, V. M., & Mapatano, M. A. (2021).
A qualitative exploration of prisoners’ strategies for coping with food insecurity in
prisons in Kinshasa, DRC. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1135-996X
Baird, I. C. (2001). Evolution of activists: Prison women’s writings as change agent for their
communities., ERIC. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED476039
Bardelli, T., Gillespie, Z., & Tu, T. L. N. (2022). “You need money to live in prison”
everyday strategies of survival in the American Neoliberal Prison. South Atlantic
Quarterly, 121(4), 838–845. https://doi.org/10.1215/00382876-10066524
Beckett, K., & Goldberg, A. (2022). e eects of imprisonment in a time of mass in-
carceration. Crime and Justice, 51(1), 349–398. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/
abs/10.1086/721018 https://doi.org/10.1086/721018
Beeler, A. (2022). Inmate seminaries. Corrections Today, 35.
Benedetti, M. S. G., Nogami, A. S. A., Costa, B. B. D., Fonsêca, H. I. F. D., Costa, I. D.
S., Almeida, I. S., Miranda, L., Conchy, M. M. M., Bentes, R. D. S., Higa, S. N., Israel
T. S., & Fonseca, A. J. D. (2020). Sexually transmitted infections in women deprived
of liberty in Roraima, Brazil. Revista de saude publica, 54(105). https://doi.org/10.11606/
s1518-8787.2020054002207
Bierie, D. M. (2012). Is tougher better? e impact of physical prison conditions on
inmate violence. International Journal of Oender erapy and Comparative Criminology,
56(3), 338–355. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X11405157
Browning, S. L., Miller, R. R., & Spruance, L. M. (2018). Criminal incarceration dividing
the ties that bind: Black men and their families. In Impacts of incarceration on the
African American family (pp. 87–102). Routledge.
Carda-Auten, J., Dirosa, E. A., Grodensky, C., Nowotny, K. M., Brinkley- Rubinstein, L.,
Travers, D., Brown, M., Bradley-Bull, S., Blue, C., & Rosen, D. L. (2022). Jail health

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 17
care in the Southeastern United States from entry to release. e Milbank Quarterly,
100(3), 722–760. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0009.12569
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among ve ap-
proaches (3rd ed). SAGE Publication, Inc.
De Smet, S., De Donder, L., Ryan, D., Van Regenmortel, S., Brosens, D., & Vandevelde,
S. (2017). Factors related to the quality of life of older prisoners. Quality of Life Research:
An International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation,
26(6), 1571–1585. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-017-1506-8
Di Giuseppe, T., Perasso, G., Maculan, A., Vianello, F., & Paoletti, P. (2022). Envisioning
the future: Ten keys to enhance resilience predictors among inmates. In e Paris
Conference on Education 2022: Ocial Conference Proceedings Doi (Vol. 10, pp. 2758-
0962). https://doi.org/10.3280/rip2022oa14724
Elcano, Q. M., Buere, M. L., Duhaylungsod, R., Alevario, S., Mislang, J., & Mosqueda, R.
(2020). Human rights issues and impacts on person deprived of liberty in correction-
al institution for women. Ascendens Asia Singapore–Bestlink College of the Philippines
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1). https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/
aasgbcpjmra/article/view/1408
Enggist, S., Møller, L., Galea, G., & Udesen, C. (2014). Prisons and health. World Health
Organization. Regional Oce for Europe.
Faulkner, S. L., & Trotter, S. P. (2017). eoretical saturation. In e international ency-
clopedia of communication research methods (pp. 1–2). Wiley Online Library. https://
doi.org/10.1002/9781118901731.iecrm0250
Hairston, C. F. (1991). Family ties during imprisonment: Important to whom and for
what. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 18, 87.
Hewson, T., Shepherd, A., Hard, J., & Shaw, J. (2020). Eects of the COVID-19 pandem-
ic on the mental health of prisoners. e Lancet. Psychiatry, 7(7), 568–570. https://doi.
org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30241-8
Isanejad, O., & Haydarian, M. (2020). Eectiveness of resiliency training on quality of
life and resiliency in prisoners of war. Iranian Journal of War and Public Health, 12(1),
1–9. https://doi.org/10.29252/ijwph.12.1.1
Kansky, J. (2017). Benets of well-being: Health, social relationships, work, and resilience.
Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, 1(2), 129–169.
Lambdin, B. H., Comfort, M., Kral, A. H., & Lorvick, J. (2018). Accumulation of jail
incarceration and hardship, health status, and unmet health care need among women
who use drugs. Women’s Health Issues: Ocial Publication of the Jacobs Institute of
Wome n’s He a lth , 28(5), 470–475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2018.05.005
Lambie, I., & Randell, I. (2013). e impact of incarceration on juvenile oenders. Clinical
Psychology Review, 33(3), 448–459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.01.007
Lane, C., Bratina, M. P., & Antonio, M. E. (2020). Inmates’ self-reported physical and
mental health problems: A comparison by sex and age. Journal of Correctional Health
Care: e Ocial Journal of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care,
26(4), 338–348. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078345820953421
Lanzano, R., Pelullo, C. P., Della Polla, G., Di Giuseppe, G., & Pavia, M. (2023). Perceived
health status and satisfaction with healthcare services of detained male individuals: A
survey in Italy. Public Health, 214, 10–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2022.09.022
Mai, C., & Subramanian, R. (2017). e price of prisons. Vera Institute of Justice.
Maier, K. H., & Ricciardelli, R. (2019). e prisoner’s dilemma: How male prisoners
experience and respond to penal threat while incarcerated. Punishment & Society, 21(2),
231–250. https://doi.org/10.1177/1462474518757091

18 C. S. F. CAMUYONG
Makinde, W. (2023). Availability of rehabilitation programmes in correctional facilities in
Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 8(1), 17–30. https://
doi.org/10.47604/jppa.1790
Mandal, P. C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: Considerations and limitations.
International Journal of Academic Research and Development, 3(2), 624–628.
Mannocci, A., Masala, D., Mipatrini, D., Rizzo, J., Meggiolaro, S., Di iene, D., & La
Torre, G. (2015). e relationship between physical activity and quality of life in pris-
oners: A pilot study. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 56(4), E172–E175.
Mefoh, P. C., Odo, V. O., Ezeh, M. A., & Ezeah, L. (2016). Psychological well-being in
awaiting-trial inmates: e roles of loneliness and social support. Social Sciences, 5(5),
64–69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20160505.11
Puvill, T., Lindenberg, J., De Craen, A. J., Slaets, J. P., & Westendorp, R. G. (2016). Impact
of physical and mental health on life satisfaction in old age: A population based ob-
servational study. BMC Geriatrics, 16(1), 194. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-016-0365-4
Rahmat, N. H. N., & Akhir, N. S. M. (2021). Inmates’ perception of Halaqah programmes:
A study at Pokok Sena Prison, Kedah Malaysia. International Journal of Academic
Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(9), 368–379. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/
v11-i9/11002
Said, I., & Butler, H. D. (2023). Prison religion: Exploring the link between pre-and
in-prison experiences to religious activity. Crime & Delinquency, 001112872211439.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287221143947
Sander, G., & Murphy, F. (2017). e furthest le behind: e urgent need to scale up
harm reduction in prisons. International Journal of Prisoner Health, 13(3–4), 185–191.
https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-08-2016-0044
Sari, G. D. P. A., Kurniadi, P., Muslimah, S., Kaloeti, D. V. S., & Sakti, H. (2022). e
role of social support and resilience in prison inmates: Literature study. In Proceedings
of International Conference on Psychological Studies (ICPSYCHE) (Vol. 3, pp. 387–395).
Schaefer, L., Sams, T., & Lux, J. (2016). Saved, salvaged, or sunk: A meta-analysis of the
eects of faith-based interventions on inmate adjustment. e Prison Journal, 96(4),
600–622. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885516650883
Schliehe, A., Laursen, J., & Crewe, B. (2022). Loneliness in prison. European Journal of
Criminology, 19(6), 1595–1614. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477370820988836
Sibisi, N. N., Shezi, M., & Dlamini, S. (2023). A critical analysis of the living conditions
of female oenders incarcerated in South African correctional centres. African Journal
of Gender, Society and Development (Formerly Journal of Gender, Information and
Development in Africa), 12(1), 7–25. https://doi.org/10.31920/2634-3622/2023/v12n1a1
Smith, J. A., & Fieldsend, M. (2021). Interpretative phenomenological analysis. American
Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000252-008
Stanseld, R., O’Connor, T., & Duncan, J. (2019). Religious identity and the long-term
eects of religious involvement, orientation, and coping in prison. Criminal Justice and
Behavior, 46(2), 337–354. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854818801410
The Bureau of Corrections Act, Rule IV. (2013). https://www.officialgazette.gov.
ph/2016/05/23/revised-irr-of-republic-act-no-10575/
ijssen, G., Mastho, E., Sijtsema, J. J., & Bogaerts, S. (2023). Understanding violent
extremism: Identifying motivational classes in male jihadist detainees. International
Journal of Oender erapy and Comparative Criminology, 67(15), 1455–1473. https://
doi.org/10.1177/0306624X221144295
Trasarti, F. (2023). Meditation in prison: Rehabilitating prisoners from India to Bangladesh
[Doctoral dissertation]. FID4SA-Repository. https://doi.org/10.11588/d4sarep.00004622

JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 19
Ugelvik, T. (2022). e transformative power of trust: Exploring tertiary desistance in
reinventive prisons. e British Journal of Criminology, 62(3), 623–638. https://doi.
org/10.1093/bjc/azab076
Villman, E. (2021). Work, support and solitude: Prisoners’ desistance expectations and
self-regulating strategies. Journal of Oender Rehabilitation, 60(2), 95–116. https://doi.
org/10.1080/10509674.2020.1863299
Woo, Y., Stohr, M. K., Hemmens, C., Lutze, F., Hamilton, Z., & Yoon, O. K. (2016). An
empirical test of the social support paradigm on male inmate society. International
Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, 40(2), 145–169. https://doi.org/1
0.1080/01924036.2015.1089518
Xin, Y., Li, Q., & Liu, C. (2019). Adolescent self-esteem and social adaptation: Chain
mediation of peer trust and perceived social support. Social Behavior and Personality:
An International Journal, 47(4), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.7870