The benefits of structured leisure activities for the inmates: Grounded theory research

Objective: The number of convicts appears to increase both in our country and in the world. Inmates are more prone to physiological and psychological diseases due to poor living conditions, past life traumas and stress of being an inmate. Recreational activities are regarded as an important way of improving bio-psycho-social status of the inmates during imprisonment and reintegrating them into society after release. The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of the recreational programs applied in prisons from the perspective of the inmates. Method: The research design used in this study is the classic grounded theory of Glaser. The research sample consists of 19 inmates that participated in the structured activities. Theoretical sampling method was used for the identification of the research sample. Semi-structured interviews, observations and documents were utilized for data collection purposes and memoing accompanied the data analysis process. A three-phased data analysis process was carried out through open, selective and theoretical coding. Constant comparison method was used during the analysis to make sure that themes are segregated from each other. Results: The themes defining the benefits of the in-prison activities for the inmates are "Future Expectation", "Social Benefit", "Distancing from the Problems in the Ward", "Physical Health", "Psychological Benefit", "Economic Benefit", "Emotional Benefit", "The Benefit of Relief", "Cognitive Benefit" and "Self-Improvement". It appears that all these themes are inseparably inter-related with each other. Conclusion: The core category of the study was determined to be "The benefits that prisoners derive from structured leisure activities." This core category shows that recreation activities both reduce the pressure of prison life and equip inmates with knowledge and skills that are essential for their survival after release. Such activities are economic, humanist and efficient in rehabilitating the inmates. Key words: inmate, recreational activities, benefits of recreation, grounded theory, prison