INCARCERATION AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF FEMALE INMATES AT BAMENDA CENTRAL PRISON, CAMEROON: THE ROLES OF PRIVACY DEPRIVATION, SOCIAL STIGMA, AND FAMILY SEPARATION

Abstract This study examined the effects of incarceration on the psychological well-being of female inmates at Bamenda Central Prison, Cameroon, focusing on the roles of privacy deprivation, social stigma, and family separation. Guided by General Strain Theory, the main objective was to determine how these factors influence inmates’ mental health. A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was adopted. The quantitative component used total enumeration of all 40 female inmates, yielding 39 valid responses after data cleaning; prison administrators were purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha overall reliability = 0.718) and an interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and Spearman’s rho correlation; qualitative data were thematically analysed. Findings for Research Question 1 showed pervasive loss of privacy (overall mean = 3.27), with 100% reporting insufficient personal space, yet a non-significant relationship with psychological well-being (ρ = –0.047, p = .788). Research Question 2 revealed high perceived social stigmatisation (overall mean = 3.39), including 84.6% whose future confidence was affected, but a non-significant association (ρ = –0.251, p = .145). Research Question 3 demonstrated substantial family separation effects (overall mean = 3.20) and a strong, significant positive relationship with psychological well-being (ρ = 0.798, p < .001). The most striking recommendation is the establishment of permanent, gender-responsive professional counselling and family-contact programmes within the prison, institutionalised through Ministry of Justice policy and multi-stakeholder partnerships to ensure sustained mental-health support and successful reintegration.