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Fear of Covid-19, adjustment, and well-being of the incarcerated in South African correctional facilities
Fear of Covid-19, adjustment, and well-being of the incarcerated in South African correctional facilities
We are pleased to share a recently published article titled “Fear of Covid-19, adjustment, and well-being of the incarcerated in South African correctional facilities.”
This article is based on Dr Wandile’s postdoctoral study in the Department of Psychology. The study explored Covid-19 adjustment and well-being among incarcerated individuals, with a particular focus on experiences within Kgosi Mampuru II and Polokwane correctional centres.
Inside_Out Fear of Covid-19, adjustment, and well-being of the incarcerated in South.pdfInside Out 2026 Project Brochure.pdfINSIDE-OUT OUTSIDE-IN SOUTH AFRICAN CORRECTIONS INTEREST GROUP
INSIDE-OUT OUTSIDE-IN SOUTH AFRICAN CORRECTIONS INTEREST GROUP
Inside-out Outside-in is an inter-disciplinary grouping of South Africans interested in issues relating to Corrections. The group is composed of individuals who believe in facilitating processes where “outside” citizens can actively engage and collaborate with the “inside” correctional environment in South Africa. We encourage collaborative generation and dissemination of knowledge about correctional facility experiences, circumstances and initiatives. In this brochure, we list our official projects.
Inside-out Outside-in South African Corrections Interest Group Annual Report 2025
Inside-out Outside-in South African Corrections Interest Group Annual Report 2025
We are pleased to share the attached Inside-Out Outside-In South African Corrections Interest Group Annual Report. This report highlights our collective work, achievements, research outputs, community engagement initiatives, and partnerships throughout the year. It reflects the dedication, collaboration, and impact of the Inside-Out community in advancing engaged scholarship, supporting correctional communities, and strengthening academic and social transformation.
Thank you for your continued commitment, support, and valuable contributions to the Inside-Out project. We hope you find the report informative and reflective of our shared efforts 🎉.
Please read the full for more Information!
Inside-out Annual report 2025.pdfPsychological well-being and resilience experiences of educators teaching in juvenile correctional facilities: a scoping review
Psychological well-being and resilience experiences of educators teaching in juvenile correctional facilities: a scoping review
Education is widely acknowledged as a cornerstone of rehabilitation for incarcerated youth. However, less attention has been paid to the specific realities faced by the educators who deliver it. These educators often operate under intense stress, experiencing burnout and emotional exhaustion while managing the complex and multifaceted needs of their students. This scoping review seeks to examine and synthesize psychological well-being and resilience experiences of educators working within juvenile correctional facilities.
Please read the full Article for more information!
Inside_Out Correctional educators’ experiences of professional development in a South African prison school.pdfCorrectional educators’ experiences of professional development in a South African prison school
Correctional educators’ experiences of professional development in a South African prison school
Dear Inside-Out Community
Please find attached the Inside-Out publication. This issue features reflections and insights from the Correctional Educators' Appreciation Day event, held at the Kgorong Building. The content captures the spirit of the day, highlighting the dedication and impact of our educators within the correctional system. We hope you find it both informative and inspiring.
Inside-out The LIASA Conference Report.pdfInside-out at the 2025 Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Annual Conference
Inside-out at the 2025 Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Annual Conference
On 1 October 2025, project collaborators Mrs Mokgadi Senyolo, Miss Nobantu Seleoane, and project team member, Dr Mbongiseni Mdakane (not pictured) participated in the LIASA 2025 Conference held in Gqeberha. The conference focused on positioning libraries as central hubs for innovation by exploring how the Library and Information Services (LIS) sector can drive technological advancement, improve digital literacy, and provide essential resources to help communities thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In Healing from Perpetrator Trauma: The
In Healing from Perpetrator Trauma: The
Experiences of Juvenile Offenders Incarcerated for
Experiences of Juvenile Offenders Incarcerated for
Violent Offenses in South Africa
Violent Offenses in South Africa
Since the late 1980s, research has highlighted the unique psychological, spiritual, moral, and interpersonal injuries experienced by perpetrators of violence. However, limited attention has been given to managing such trauma, particularly among offenders. This qualitative study explored protective experiences, activities, and behaviours used by juvenile offenders in two South African correctional centres to manage perpetrator trauma. Using semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis.
Please read the full Article for more information.
Mahlako et al. (2025).pdfJordaan & Cronje (2025).pdfPsychometric Properties of the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) in a South African Male Incarcerated Offender Sample
Psychometric Properties of the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) in a South African Male Incarcerated Offender Sample
This study examined the psychometric properties of the coping strategy indicator (CSI) among incarcerated male offenders in South Africa. Using a cross-sectional design, 968 participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling and completed four measurement scales, namely the CSI, multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), prison adjustment questionnaire (PAQ), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS). Five factor models were investigated, namely (i) a unidimensional model, (ii) a correlated three factor model, (iii) a bifactor model with uncorrelated three dimensions, (iv) a correlated four factor model, and (v) a bifactor model with uncorrelated four dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a bifactor model with four dimensions showed the best fit. This finding suggests that incorporating a general factor along with four specific dimensions (i.e., problem-solving, seeking social support, avoidance withdrawal, avoidance distraction) most accurately reflects the multidimensional structure of coping strategies in this population. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients confirmed the internal consistency of the four factor model.
Please read the full Article for more information.
Perceived Social Support, Aggression, Age, and Repeat Offending as Predictors of Coping Amongst Male Maximum-Security Offenders
Perceived Social Support, Aggression, Age, and Repeat Offending as Predictors of Coping Amongst Male Maximum-Security Offenders
Incarcerated offenders must develop coping strategies to adapt
to the stressful correctional environment, where failure to cope
can harm mental and physical health. This study examined
perceived social support, aggression, age, and repeat offending
as predictors of coping among 418 adult male maximum-security South African offenders, using a quantitative, cross-sectional
correlational design.
Please read the full Article for more information.
Gwambe et al. (2025).pdfPretorius et al. (2025).pdfPsychometric properties of the Prison Adjustment Questionnaire (PAQ) amongst South African male incarcerated offenders
Psychometric properties of the Prison Adjustment Questionnaire (PAQ) amongst South African male incarcerated offenders
Correctional adjustment is critical for rehabilitation, managing
behaviour and reducing conflicts within correctional environments.
Wright (1983) developed the Prison Adjustment Questionnaire
(PAQ) to assess correctional adjustment and incarceration
discomfort. This study investigated the psychometric properties,
validity, factor structure and reliability of the PAQ among South
African male incarcerated offenders. Systematic random sampling
was used to select 787 male incarcerated offenders from three
correctional centres
Please read the full Article for more information.
A phenomenological investigation into the role of a university degree in the reintegration of ex-offenders into the labour market
A phenomenological investigation into the role of a university degree in the reintegration of ex-offenders into the labour market
This paper examines the negative stereotypes faced by university-educated exoffenders as they seek professional employment. It emphasizes crucial yet often overlooked issues, such as harmful stereotypes and systemic barriers that lead to the marginalization of well-qualified ex-offenders in the South African labour market.
Please read the full Article for more information.
A Phenomenological Investigation into The Role of a University Degree in The Reintegration of Ex-Offenders into The Labour Market.pdfINSIDE OUT REPORT_Losperfontein Correctional Centre Career Day Expo Report.pdfLosperfontein Correctional Centre Career Day Expo Report
Losperfontein Correctional Centre Career Day Expo Report
The Unisa Inside-out engaged scholarship project team in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Service at Losperfontein Correctional Centre co-hosted a successful Career Day Expo and Book Donation. The event was aimed at promoting education, literacy, and personal development among incarcerated students, while strengthening the partnership between UNISA and the Department of Correctional Services. The Career Day Expo featured interactive sessions where inmates engaged with UNISA academics, career advisors, and motivational speakers.
Please read the full report for more information
Narratives of Hope in Hopelessness: Reasons for Pursuing ODL-Mediated Higher Education among Females Serving Life Sentences in South African Correctional Centres
Narratives of Hope in Hopelessness: Reasons for Pursuing ODL-Mediated Higher Education among Females Serving Life Sentences in South African Correctional Centres
Advocacy for compulsory education in South African correctional centres represents a proactive approach to dealing with recidivism and illiteracy. Education is a basic human right that the constitution (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 1996) protects unreservedly. Every constitution envisages that education should occur without leaving anyone behind. The United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development (https://www.ohchr.org/en/instrumentsmechanisms/instruments/declaration-right-development) emphasises the imperative for education to be accessible to marginalised demographics.
Please read the full Article for more information.
Inside-Out Narratives of Hope in Hopelessness Reasons for.pdfINSIDE OUT REPORT 8th Southern African Students' Psychology Conference.pdfInside-Out Outside-In South African Corrections Interest Group and the Correctional Research theme at the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference
Inside-Out Outside-In South African Corrections Interest Group and the Correctional Research theme at the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference
The Unisa Department of Psychology held the most prestigious 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference from 8-10 July 2025. The theme centered on Healing inter-and transgenerational trauma: A place for psychology in Africa’s future. The event brought together students, scholars, practitioners and colleagues. The first day was dedicated to preconference workshops which provided practical and informative engagements with the conference theme.
Please read the full report for more information
Masters and Doctoral Networking Committee: Viva Voce webinar for postgraduate students and supervisors
Masters and Doctoral Networking Committee: Viva Voce webinar for postgraduate students and supervisors
The University of South Africa (UNISA) has implemented a structured viva voce (oral examination) process for doctoral students registered from 2022 onwards. This report summarises key insights from the workshop document to support the Inside-Out Outside-in Community in understanding academic rigor and student-supervisor dynamics
Please read the full report for more information!
Inside-out Reflection Report_ Masters and Doctoral Webinar_Examination Viva Voce Processes and Guidelines.pdfInside-Out_Ignored realities of formerly incarcerated university graduates.pdfThe Criminal Record as a Death Sentence: Unmasking the Ignored Realities of Formerly Incarcerated University Graduates on Professional Licencing Challenges
The Criminal Record as a Death Sentence: Unmasking the Ignored Realities of Formerly Incarcerated University Graduates on Professional Licencing Challenges
Recently it is increasingly common practice for universities and professional registration councils to probe into applicants’ criminal records as a precondition for admission. Using social constructionism, this qualitative study explored the experiences of six formerly incarcerated individuals previously sentenced to life imprisonment, who hold professional university degrees in Law, Education, Psychology and Social Work and investigated whether having a criminal record had any bearing when applying for professional registration.
Please read the full article for more information!
Effectiveness of Well-being Interventions Among Correctional Officers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Effectiveness of Well-being Interventions Among Correctional Officers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dear Inside-out Community
Please find attached an article recently published by Mr. Kenneth Owusu Ansah, one of our PhD students. This publication forms part of his doctoral research and offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of well-being interventions among correctional officers. Kenneth is currently in his first year of PhD studies, focusing on the development of a well-being intervention programme for correctional officials in Ghana and South Africa: A mixed-method study. He is supervised by Dr Wandile Tsabedze who is a team member in the Inside-out and Prof. Curwyn Mapaling from North-West University.
Please read the full article for more information!
Inside Out Efectiveness of Well‑being Interventions Among Correctional Officers.pdfInside-out Masters Doctoral DCS Ethics in corrections webinar report_21 May 2025 (002).pdfReport on a Masters and Doctoral Students
Report on a Masters and Doctoral Students
Ethics in Corrections Webinar
Ethics in Corrections Webinar
Dear Inside-out Community
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
We are pleased to share the report on the recent "Ethics in Corrections" webinar held on 21 May 2025. The session, facilitated by Dr. Mbongiseni Mdakane, addressed key ethical and methodological challenges in correctional services research and provided valuable reflections from both facilitators and participants.
Please read the full report for more information!
Exploring Female Psychology Students’ Volunteering Experiences at the Inside-Out Outside-In South African Corrections Interest Group
Exploring Female Psychology Students’ Volunteering Experiences at the Inside-Out Outside-In South African Corrections Interest Group
In the context of higher education, as propounded by the Community Engagement and Outreach Policy (Unisa, 2013), the University of South Africa (Unisa) academics are encouraged to involve students in In-Service Learning programmes, including those who may wish to volunteer their time to gain soft skills, experiential learning, and work-related skills. This study explored the volunteerism experiences of female Psychology students as part of Unisa’s “Inside-Out Outside-In” Corrections Interest Group. An exploratory, qualitative approach grounded in a phenomenological research design was incorporated into the study, and the standard ingroup identity model was used as the study’s theoretical framework.
Please read the full article for more information!
Exploring Female Psychology Students’ Volunteering Experiences at the.pdfInside_Out Exploring the instructional media usage and preference of offenders at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre, South Africa.pdfExploring the instructional media usage and preference of offenders at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre, South Africa
Exploring the instructional media usage and preference of offenders at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre, South Africa
This study explored the instructional media used in the correctional school and during the rehabilitation programmes at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre. The study also examined the instructional media preferences of offenders. Underpinned by the positivism paradigm, a quantitative approach was followed, and a cross-sectional survey design was used. he enumeration sampling technique was applied due to the small size of the population (n = 571). Data was collected from 402 participants who were sentenced offenders, thus yielding a response rate of 70.40%. A Kolb Learning Style Questionnaire was used to collect data and version 26.0.0 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was applied to analyse data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed as part of data analysis.
Please read the full article for more information!
Women’s Day 2025
Women’s Day 2025
Support Women’s Dignity: Donate Bathing Essentials for Incarcerated Women
Support Women’s Dignity: Donate Bathing Essentials for Incarcerated Women
The Inside-Out Outside-In Engaged Scholarship Project is calling for contributions of Down body cream, bath cloths, and Protex bar soap to support women at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre this Women’s Day, 09 August 2025. Many incarcerated women face significant challenges in accessing basic hygiene products essential for maintaining dignity, self-care, and overall well-being. By donating these items, we can help restore a sense of self-worth and contribute to their rehabilitation journey. Join us in making a meaningful difference. Your small contribution can have a big impact!
Please see the full poster for more information!
Inside Out Open Donations Poster..pdfInside-out Book Challenge Competition at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre.pdfBook Challenge Competition at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre
Book Challenge Competition at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre
The Unisa Inside-out engaged scholarship project team together with the women in conflict with the law at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre co-hosted a successful Boog Challenge Competition., the Book Challenge Competition at the centre was a day marked by intellectual engagements and motivations, such as debating and spelling bee.
Please read the full report for more information!
Obituary of project team member, Keith Scott (1959 – 2025)
Obituary of project team member, Keith Scott (1959 – 2025)
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Inside-out team member and postgraduate student, Keith Scott.
Keith became a project team member of the Inside-out engaged scholarship team in 2020 and enrolled for his MA studies in the Department of Psychology in January 2021. His research study entitled, #disabled and incarcerated: An autoethnographical study of an ex-offender, examines his lived experiences as he navigated the complex challenges of change, physical rehabilitation, societal reintegration, and a period of incarceration. Relocating himself after a traumatic experience reveals significant insights, accenting the positive effect that education, both in life and formal learning environments, can have on one’s lived reality. The study, explores through theories of criminality, social stigma and resilience, the significance of adaptive strategies in addressing emotional struggles, including shame, guilt, and loss of dignity.
Please read the full orbituary for more information!
INSIDE OUT Obituary of Keith Scott_2025.pdfINSIDE OUT REPORT Career Expo ( Gender Responsive Centre).pdfCareer Exhibition Day at the Gender Responsive Centre in Atteridgeville
Career Exhibition Day at the Gender Responsive Centre in Atteridgeville
The Career Expo was a joint collaborative initiative by Unisa’s Department of Psychology, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), and the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) It’s Possible for All (IPFA). The event aimed to offer educational and career guidance to current and prospective incarcerated students and correctional staff, support rehabilitation, and to contribute towards reintegration into society. The programme featured an opening ceremony, keynote addresses, a career exhibition, and a book donation initiative, with various Unisa departments providing information on education, funding, and career opportunities.
Please read the full report for more information!
Losperfontein Correctional Centre Computer Literacy Course and Laptop Donation Needs Analysis
Losperfontein Correctional Centre Computer Literacy Course and Laptop Donation Needs Analysis
On February 12, 2025, Dr. Mdakane, and interns in the Psychology Department, UNISA , Mr. Nkuna, Ms. Mabona, and Ms. Genqese, visited Losperfontein Correctional Centre in Brits, Northwest Province, to conduct a needs analysis for the Inside-Out laptop donation initiative. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Tebogo Khumalo, a correctional educationist at the centre. She introduced us to her colleagues and guided us to the correctional centre’s school.
Please read the full report for more information
Inside-out report at Losperfontein correctional center computer literacy course and laptop donation needs Analysis.pdfGoogle Sites
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