Baffour, Frank Darkwa, Francis, Abraham P., Chong, Mark David, Harris, Nonie, and Baffour, Portia Darkwa (2021) Perpetrators at first, victims at last: exploring the consequences of stigmatization on ex-convicts’ mental well-being. Criminal Justice Review, 46 (3). pp. 304-325.

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Abstract

The article investigates ex-convicts’ experiences of stigmatization and its effect on their well-being in selected prisons in Ghana. Qualitative data were collected from 20 male inmates who, after residing for a time in the community, were thereafter reincarcerated. Findings indicate that these men were subjected to stigmatization and degrading treatment in the community, which limited their chances of securing lawful employment, establishing romantic relationships, and even maintaining platonic and family ties. As a result, this negatively impacted upon their mental well-being, leading some to substance abuse and suicide ideation. The article thereafter discusses policy and future research implications that arise from these findings.

Item ID:	64818
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1556-3839
Keywords:	mental well-being, stigmatization, ex-convicts, substance use, suicide ideation
Copyright Information:	© 2020 Georgia State University.
Date Deposited:	03 Nov 2020 19:02
FoR Codes:	44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4402 Criminology > 440202 Correctional theory, offender treatment and rehabilitation @ 50% 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440999 Social work not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9404 Justice and the Law > 940408 Rehabilitation and Correctional Services @ 50% 94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940199 Community Service (excl. Work) not elsewhere classified @ 50%
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