Perpetrators at first, victims at last: exploring the consequences of stigmatization on ex-convicts’ mental well-being

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Baffour, Frank Darkwa;Francis, Abraham P.;Chong, Mark David;Harris, Nonie;Baffour, Portia Darkwa
Abraham FrancisMark Chong
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.

Journal

Criminal Justice Review

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Volume

46

ISBN/ISSN

1556-3839

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Issue

3

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Publisher

Sage Publications

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1177/0734016820960785