Project Abstract

Abstract
Recidivism among inmates in Nigerian prisons poses a significant challenge to the criminal justice system and society at large. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a need-focused cognitive restructuring intervention programme on the self-esteem and self-efficacy of recidivist inmates in Nigerian prisons. The theoretical framework of this study was based on the principles of cognitive restructuring, self-esteem, and self-efficacy theories. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with a sample of recidivist inmates selected from various prisons across Nigeria. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group underwent a structured cognitive restructuring programme tailored to address their specific needs, while the control group received the standard rehabilitation programmes available in the prisons. Quantitative data was collected using standardized self-esteem and self-efficacy scales administered before and after the intervention programme. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews and observations to provide a more in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences and perceptions. The results indicated a significant improvement in the self-esteem and self-efficacy levels of the recidivist inmates who participated in the need-focused cognitive restructuring intervention programme compared to those in the control group. The quantitative data revealed a statistically significant increase in self-esteem and self-efficacy scores post-intervention, suggesting that the programme had a positive impact on the participants' perceptions of themselves and their abilities. Qualitative findings further supported the quantitative results, highlighting the positive changes in the participants' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors following the intervention. Themes such as increased self-awareness, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping mechanisms emerged from the qualitative data, indicating a positive transformation in the participants' cognitive and emotional functioning. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that a need-focused cognitive restructuring intervention programme can be an effective tool in enhancing the self-esteem and self-efficacy of recidivist inmates in Nigerian prisons. By addressing the underlying cognitive distortions and negative self-perceptions of the inmates, this intervention has the potential to contribute to their successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society, ultimately reducing recidivism rates and promoting positive behavioral change.

Project Overview

This study investigated the effect of Need-Focused Cognitive Restructuring Intervention Programme (NEFCRIP) on the self-esteem and self-efficacy of recidivist inmates in the zone G of the Nigeria prison service. The design of the study was a post-test only control group design. There were six research questions and six corresponding hypotheses raised to guide the study. The sample of the study was 74 recidivist inmates purposively selected from six prisons out of the 11 medium prisons in zone G with a total population of 105 recidivists. The participants were assigned to experimental and control groups. Inmates in the experimental group received Need-Focused Cognitive Restructuring Intervention Programme (NEFCRIP). The programme emphasized positive thinking and positive values, cognitive restructuring, coping skills and positive self-talk as strategies for building self-esteem and self-efficacy. The control group received a placebo-conventional counselling. Inmate’s Self-esteem (ISES) and Self-efficacy (ISEFS) scales were the instruments used for data collection. Data were analyzed using means and standard deviations while ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses at .05 probability level. Results showed that, NEFCRIP had significant effect on the self-esteem and self-efficacy of recidivist inmates in Nigeria prisons. The interaction between NEFCRIP and gender on self-esteem and self-efficacy of recidivist was not significant. It was concluded among others that Need-focused cognitive restructuring intervention programme (NEFCRIP) significantly is an effective cognitive based intervention programme that can be used to treat low self-esteem and low self-efficacy prevalent among recidivist inmates. Based on the findings, it was recommended that psychological services/counselling that is cognitive based should be set up as a regular programme in the Nigeria prisons. Workshops and seminars should be organized by the Ministry of Interior for the training of welfare officers some of whom are not trained psychologists or counsellors on how to use NEFCRIP in the prisons to improve the low self-esteem and self-efficacy of recidivist inmates. Need-focused cognitive restructuring intervention programme should form part of the counselling programmes for the inmates in Nigeria prison.