Staff-Prisoner Relationships and Quality of Life in Serbian Prisons: Preliminary Research Findings

• In Event: Prison Working Group: Prison climate and quality of life

Abstract

The study reports preliminary findings on the impact of the prison regime, staff-prisoner relationships, and individual quality of life on the well-being and development component of the quality of prison life (QPL) among Serbian convicts within the PrisonLIFE project (No. 7750249, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia). The study involved 520 male convicts from Serbia’s four largest penitentiary facilities, mean age of 40 years (SD=10.17; range 20–73), with an average sentence length of 16 years 10 months (SD=8 years, range 1–40 years). Most participants were Serbian nationals (98%), single (54%), had a secondary school education (66%), denied drug use before imprisonment (51%), and had prior prison sentences (57%). The majority (56%) received sentences ranging from 3 to 10 years, with 74% being assigned to closed prison wards and 55% incarcerated in the same prison for over two years. Offences against property accounted for 35% of convictions, followed by offences against human health (31%) and life and limb (20%). Data were collected using MQPL and WHOQOL-BREF surveys. Analysed via hierarchical multiple regression, findings reveal that staff-prisoner relationships (β=.59) as the most influential predictor, highlighting positive interactions, trust, and support. Environmental factors (β=.21), such as safety and recreation opportunities, psychological aspects like self-esteem (β=.14), and factors related to physical health (β=.10), including mobility and pain management, also significantly impact QPL. While the prison regime (closed/semi-open) showed significance, it was less influential compared to other factors (β=.06). Surprisingly, social relationships among prisoners showed no significant impact, suggesting their lesser role. Trusting, fair, and honest interactions between staff and prisoners, alongside supportive environments within the prison setting, are crucial for enhancing QPL. Interventions should target improving staff-prisoner relationships, ensuring physical safety, providing recreation and skill development opportunities and access to health and social care, and addressing inmates’ physical and mental well-being.

Authors

• Milena Milićević, Institute for Criminological and Sociological Research

• Ljeposava Ilijić, Institute for Criminological and Sociological Research

• Olivera Pavićević, Institute for Criminological and Sociological Research