EXPLORING THE ATTITUDES OF FEMALE WARDERS TOWARDS INMATES WHO SELF-HARM: A PILOT STUDY IN AN INNER-CITY PRISON IN SOUTH INDIA

Аннотация

This pilot exploratory study aims to examine the attitudes of female warders towards inmates who engage in self-harm in an inner-city prison in South India. Self-harm is a significant concern within correctional settings, and understanding the attitudes of prison staff towards self-harming inmates is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems. However, limited research has focused specifically on the attitudes of female warders in this context. This study employed qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, to explore the perspectives, beliefs, and experiences of female warders regarding inmates who self-harm. The findings shed light on the attitudes and underlying factors that may influence the treatment and support received by self-harming inmates within the prison environment. The insights from this study can inform future research, policy development, and training programs to enhance the understanding, empathy, and support provided by female warders towards inmates who self-harm.