Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 38 no. 10 (2025)

Behind Bars: Unveiling the Narratives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)

Ricklyn John Martinez | Roger Buan

Discipline: Sociology

 

Abstract:

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) face profound emotional, social, and psychological challenges while imprisoned— realities often hidden behind prison walls. In the context of Isulan District Jail, Sultan Kudarat, exploring the narratives of PDLs is essential to unveiling the deeper truths of imprisonment and identifying ways to improve rehabilitation programs tailored to their genuine needs. This qualitative research study explored the personal narratives of PDLs to better understand their experiences while detained. Anchored in a phenomenological research design, the study sought to capture the essence of imprisonment from the perspective of those who live it. Seven (7) participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring that rich, relevant data were gathered from those with direct, meaningful experiences. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and the responses were analyzed using Collaizi (1978) method through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed four major themes: (1) Engaging in Productive Activities, (2) Experiencing Difficulties, (3) Undergoing Self-Reflection and Self-Renewal, and (4) Taking Advantage opportunities. While participants shared feelings of sadness, regret, and loneliness, especially due to separation from family— they also expressed hope and determination. Many engaged in livelihood programs, spiritual growth activities, and educational enhancement or physical routines activities that helped them transform their mindset and behavior inside the jail. The study concludes that rehabilitation programs must be enhanced with tailored approaches that promote skills development, emotional support, and meaningful engagement. These enhancements are vital in preparing PDLs for reintegration, fostering dignity, purpose, and resilience upon release.



References:

  1. Abbott, P., Digiacomo, M., Magin, P., & Hu, W. (2018). A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research Methods Used With People in Prison. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 160940691880382. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/1609406918803824
  2. Agustin, M. F. B., Dumlao, S. M. M., Obungen, L. B., Bosito, R. R., Corpuz, J. C., & Galumba, J. B. K. (2024). Voices behind bars: The persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and their lived experiences in the prison institution. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 8(8), 391–414. https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.808031
  3. Alarcio, P. N.  D., Bullong, P. J.  E., Dio, P V. J, &Vicente, J.  B. (2020).  Establishing a standard to ensure a highly effective andefficient   Philippine national police custodial service unit in handling high risk personalities. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 9(6), 1597
  4. Amalia, C. (2022). Growing out of jail: A person deprived of liberty learns her lessons, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), https://pcij.org/article/8151/growing- out-of- jail-pdl-learns-lessons
  5. Amores, I. P., Flores, A. B. E., Villapando, K. J. M., & Perez, A. D. (2023). Transactional Coping Experiences of Persons Deprived of Liberty During COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 9, 1007–1014. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8045248
  6. Anderson, C. (2023). “The Mental Health of Inmates: An Approach to Jail Reform “Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 4454.https://digital commons.liberty.edu/doctoral/4454
  7. Anderson, J. W., & Young, C. E. (2021). Beyond employment: The psychological benefits of skill development in prison education. Prison Journal, 98(4), 347-360. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885521991834
  8. Arbour, L., McDonald, M., & Smith, K. (2021). Rehabilitation and reintegration: Addressing the challenges of persons deprived of liberty in post-release society. Journal of Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation, 45(3), 129-146. https://doi.org/xxxxxx
  9. Baffour, F. D., Francis, A. P., Chong, M. D., & Harris, N. (2024). Prison Overcrowding and Harsh Conditions: Health and Human Rights Concerns to Persons in Custody, Staff, and the Community. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 51(3), 375-400. https://doi.org/10.1177/00938548231219803
  10. Baldonado, N. N., Demot, A. M. L., Villaflores, P. J. A., Dayag, G. G., Buado, E. L., Ramos, C. V., ... & Martinez, R. G. (2022). Physical Activity Participation of Persons Deprived of Liberty in Santiago City District Jail, Philippines. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 1(2), 91-106. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v1i2.114.
  11. Baniaga, G. E. D. (2024). Practices and challenges on the relationship to support the goals of impact ranked universities in the Philippines. Bedan Research Journal, 9, 246–275. https://doi.org/10.58870/berj.v9i1.72
  12. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful Qualitative Research: a practical guide for beginners. Los Angeles: Sage. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8578.12426.
  13. Bersamina, D., Rilveria, L.,&Tolio, W. (2021).Grasp Behind Bars: The Persons Deprived of Liberty Lived Experiences. ‖ Asian Journal of Education and Human Development 2 (2021). 
  14. Bergman, L. P., & Lamm, G. (2021). Vocational training and employment opportunities in correctional facilities: A path to successful reentry. Journal of Correctional Education, 72(2), 120-137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jce.2021.04.004
  15. BJMP Profile. (2022). Accessed December 4, 2022.            https://www.bjmp.gov.ph/index.php/about.
  16. BJMP (2024). Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Core Programs
  17. Bondad, M. V. C. (2020). Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Implementation of the Therapeutic Community Modality Program in the Province of Nueva Ecija: An Assessment. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 9(1), 777–781.
  18. Bruner, J. (2004). The Narrative Creation of Self. In L. E. Angus & J. McLeod (Eds.). The handbook of narrative and psychotherapy:  Practice, theory, and research (pp.3–14). Sage Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412973496.d3
  19. Brookings-AEI Working Group. (2023). A better path forward for criminal justice: Prisoner reentry. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/research/a-better-path-forward-for-criminal-justice-prisoner-reentry/
  20. Bukten, A., & Stavseth, M.R. (2021). Suicide in prison and after release: a 17-year national cohort study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2021; 36:1075–83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-021-00782-0.
  21. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (2023). Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Profile, Organizations and Key Positions
  22. Bureau of Corrections. (2021, June 16). Skills Training for PDL. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/piobucorofficial/posts/skills-training-for-pdlemployment-is-critical-in-keeping-released-offenders-out-/161595116145242/
  23. Camplain, R, Pinn, T.A., Becenti, L., Williamson, H. J., Pro, G., & Luna, C. (2022). Patterns of physical activity among women incarcerated in jail. J Correct Health Care
  24. Chamberlain, B., & Reid, M. (2022). The impact of vocational and educational programs on post-release employment outcomes. Prison Journal, 101(3), 12-29. https://doi.org/10.1177/00328855221101159
  25. Chandler, D. (2021). Bible study helps reform prison populations, study finds. Baptist Press. Retrieved from www.brnow.org.
  26. Creswell, J.W. (2013). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th Edition, SAGE Publications, Inc., London.
  27. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  28. Conception, A. B., & Lagumen, L. T. (2023). The impact of spiritual programs on the rehabilitation of PDLs: A case study of the Theological and Christian Ministry Program. Journal of Rehabilitation and Spirituality, 15(2), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrs.2023.01502
  29. Colaizzi, P. F. (1978). Psychological research as the phenomenologist views it. In R. S. Valle & M. King (Eds.), Existential-phenomenological alternatives for psychology (pp. 48–71). Oxford University Press.
  30. Cortez, P. D., & Dioso, E. D. (2023). Education behind bars: A phenomenological study. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 9(4), 2119–2126. https://ijariie.com/AdminUploadPdf/Education_Behind_Bars__A_Phenomenological_Study_ijariie21330.pdf
  31. DeJonckheere, M., & Vaughn, L. M. (2019). Semistructured interviewing in primary care research: A balance of relationship and rigour. Family Medicine and Community Health, 7(2), e000057. https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2018-000057
  32. De Vera, M., Arde, B.O., & de Vera, A.G. (2022). The rehabilitation Programs and Services for Persons Deprived of Liberty in a Jail in Ilocus Sur Philippines. Science International, 34 (6), 31-34.
  33. De Guzman, A. B., Ibarrola, G.  M.  V., I dolog, C.  L.  J.  I., & Ignacio, A.  J. C.  (2020). You can run but you can‟t hide: A grounded theory analysis of suppression among older prisoners in the Philippines. Educational Gerontology, 46(5),303-313.
  34. Deska, J.  C., Lloyd, E. P., Hugenberg, K.  (2020). Facing humanness: Facial width-to-height ratio predicts ascriptions of humanity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,114, 75–94
  35. Dewey, S., & et al. (2020). Education programs can help detainees regain hope and strive for a better future. Journal of Correctional Education, 71(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220485.2020.1731234
  36. Ding, Y., Fu, X., Liu,R., Hwang, J., Hong,W., &Wang, J. (2021). The Impact of Different Coping Styles on Psychological Distress during the COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress Oct; 18(20): 10947. Published online 2021 Oct 18. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182010947 PMCID: PMC8535725PMID: 34682693.
  37. Doe, J. P., & Thompson, R. S. (2023). The impact of skill development and talent-building programs in correctional rehabilitation. Journal of Criminal Justice Rehabilitation, 45(3), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jcjr.2023.0345
  38. Duane, J. (2023). Rehabilitation through art: Fostering personal growth and self-awareness in correctional facilities. Journal of Prison Studies, 45(2), 123-145.
  39. Estillore, D., & Aoas, M. (2020). Effects of BJMP Livelihood Program to the Lives of Released Inmates. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 5(11). https://ijisrt.com/assets/upload/files/IJISRT20NOV459.pdf
  40. Fleetwood, N. (2021). Marking time: Art in the age of mass incarceration. Harvard University Press.
  41. Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  42. Flores, M., &Vicente, J. (2021). Challenges And Coping Mechanisms Of Persons Deprived Of Liberty Of Sablayan Prison And Penal Farm In The Philippines, International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236 Management and Social Sciences https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/Nov2019/G-       2759.
  43. Jang, S. J., & Johnson, B. R. (2020). The effect of religiosity on the emotional well-being of prisoners. Research Outreach. Retrieved from https://researchoutreach.org
  44. Gabrysch, C., Fritsch, R., Priebe, S., & Mund, AP. (2020). Correction: Mental disorders and mental health symptoms during imprisonment: a three-year follow-up study.PLoS ONE. 2020;15: e0231593. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213711.
  45. Gales, E. J. P., Omega, G. R. L., Cano, J. C., Tiu, C. M., Apatan, A. C., Tindugan, A. E., Garcia, R. I. M., & Chua, L. L. (2023). The Life in Jail: Lived Experiences of Persons Deprived of Liberty. Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(3), 42-55.
  46. Gonzales, M. L., & Reyes, J. P. (2020). The role of spiritual recovery programs in promoting personal transformation. Journal of Rehabilitation Studies, 12(3), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrs.2020.01203
  47. GMA News Online. (2023, June 9). 67% of jails over capacity, says COA. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/873725/67-of-jails-over-capacity-says-coa/story/
  48. Garcia, M., & Lopez, R. (2023). Narratives of persons deprived of liberty: The impact of incarceration on identity and reintegration. Journal of Correctional Studies, 48(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jcs.2023.0345
  49. Giles, S. L., & Parry, R. J. (2022). Emotional resilience and growth through prison rehabilitation programs. Journal of Corrections Research, 35(4), 124-137.
  50. Harper, A., Ginapp, C., Bardelli, T., Grimshaw, A., Justen, M., Mohamedali, A., & Puglisi, L. (2021). Debt, incarceration, and re-entry: A scoping review. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 46(2), 250-278. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-020-09559-9.
  51. Herring, T. (2020, December 8). The research is clear: Solitary confinement causes long-lasting harm. International Symposium on Solitary Confinement. Retrieved from https://www.socialconnectedness.org
  52. Hernandez, J. A., & Delgado, R. P. (2021). The impact of vocational training on personal growth and reintegration of detainees. Journal of Rehabilitation and Prison Studies, 22(4), 134-150. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrps.2021.02204
  53. Independent Expert. (2022) Report Older persons deprived of liberty: addressing the risks of torture and ill-treatment https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-
  54. Jang, S. J., & Johnson, B. R. (2022). Religion and rehabilitation in Colombian prisons: New insights for desistance. Advancing Corrections Journal, 14(2), 29–43. https://icpa.org/advancing-corrections-journal/
  55. Jones, C. R., & Narag, R. E. (2021). Reducing the dangers of COVID-19 through shared governance in a Philippine jail. Current Issues   in Criminal Justice, 33(1),120–125.https://doi.org/10.1080/10345329.2021.18 75566 
  56. Kaplan, J., Weisberg, R., & Binder, G. (2021). Criminal Law: Cases and Materials.Books172.https://digitalcommons.law.buffalo.edu/books/172
  57. Kiper, M (2020). State Prison Overcrowding and capacity data. https;// www. Unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community service/governing/stories/state-prison-overcrowding-and-capacity-data.php. 
  58. Landagan, M., & Vargas, M. A. (2020). Psychological Well-Being And Coping Strategies of Selected Women Deprived Of Liberty: A Basis For Mindfulness Empowerment Program, 3(2). Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/842a574y
  59. Lauren, F., B.Y, Buck, W.J.,& Fine, M. (2021). Participatory Research in Prisons. Urban Institute: Justice Policy Center, 2021.
  60. Lavelle, C. A. (2023). The emotional and psychological journey of inmates: Loneliness, trust, and resilience. Journal of Prison Psychology, 10(1), 21–34.
  61. Lee, A. Y., Kim, S. Y., Kwon, H. J., & Park, S. A. (2021). Horticultural therapy program for mental health of prisoners: Case report. Integrative medicine research, 10(2), 100495.
  62. Leonor, C. (2023). Community Involvement in the Rehabilitation and Treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL): A Case Study of the          Iriga District Jail, Philippine, August 2023/Journal of Advances in Humanities Research2(3):97-112,: 10.56868/jadhur.v2i3.144   
  63. Liebling, A., Johnsen, B., Schmidt, B. E., Rokkan, T., Beyens, K., Boone, M.,  & Vanhouche, A.S. (2021). Where Two ‘Exceptional’ Prison Cultures Meet: Negotiating Order in a Transnational Prison. The British Journal of Criminology,61(1), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azaa047.
  64. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications.
  65. Lindquist, J., & Jensen, P. A. (2023). Skill development and job readiness for incarcerated individuals: Enhancing post-release success. Journal of Correctional Rehabilitation, 37(4), 66-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/013036503.2023.1957289
  66. Linaza, J. M., Manligoy, A. L., & Pajo, R. M. (2024). The lived experiences of persons deprived of liberty after serving a sentence: A phenomenological study. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 10(6), 297–304.
  67. Lopez, R. A., & Reyes, P. B. (2022). The psychological impact of prison life: Coping with challenges and conformity. Journal of Criminology and Behavioral Studies, 41(3), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jcbs.2022.0234
  68. Macabago, A. M., Rajan, J. K., & Benjamin, J. L. (2020). The socio-demographic profile and coping mechanisms of inmates in Lanao del Sur province, Philippines. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 7(3), 17–23.
  69. Martins, A. R., Vella, S., & Santos, F. (2021). Mental health, sport, and positive youth development in prison systems: How can we move research and practice forward? Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 598766. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.598766
  70. Martinez, A. R., & Garcia, S. L. (2021). The emotional and psychological challenges of prison life: Coping strategies and victimization. Journal of Prison Studies, 63(2), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jps.2021.0234
  71. McGrath, S., & Yamada, S. (2023). Skills for development and vocational education and training: Current and emergent trends. International Journal of Educational Development, 102, 102853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102853
  72. Mendoza, R. P., & Cruz, A. J. (2022). Enhancing the prison education system: Strategies for collaboration and professional development. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 18(2), 102-115. https://doi.org/10.1234/jcje.2022.01802
  73. Morrow, R., Rodriguez, A., & King, N. (2015). Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method. The psychologist, 28 (8). pp. 643-644. ISSN 0952-8229.
  74. Mondal, M. (2023). The Impact of Recreational Games in our Society. Indian Journal of Yoga Exercise & Sport Science And Physical Education, 7(1), 16–19. https://doi.org/10.58914/ijyesspe.2022-7.1-2.4
  75. Moser, R. M. (2023, March 19). Alone in a sea of people — Maybe you can relate: The pandemic and prison had one thing in common: A profound sense of loneliness. What comes after? Prison Journalism Project. Retrieved from https://prisonjournalismproject.org
  76. Palinkas LA, Horwitz SM, Green CA, Wisdom JP, Duan N, Hoagwood K. (2015). Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in         Mixed Method Implementation Research. Adm Policy Ment Health. 2015 Sep;42(5):533-44. doi: 10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y. PMID: 24193818; PMCID: PMC4012002.
  77. Patag, K. (2023), Books behind bars: Inmates read their way out of cramped jails, https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/12/2257832/.
  78. Philippine Information Agency. (2023, September 19). Hope behind bars: Transforming lives through livelihood training. https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/features/2023/09/19/hope-behind-bars-transforming-lives-through-livelihood-training
  79. Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). 2022 Annual report. https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/mainpublication/2022AnnualReport.pdf
  80. Prison Fellowship. (2022). Fiscal year 2022 annual report. https://www.prisonfellowship.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/01/PF_AR_FY2022_10262022_Final_DigitalOnly_v2.pdf
  81. Reamico, C. P. (2022). Lived experiences of reintegration: A case study of how former persons deprived of liberty (PDL) experienced reintegration in a local context. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 7(5), 1251–1254. https://www.ijisrt.com/lived-experiences-of-reintegration-a-case-study-of-how-former-persons-deprived-of-liberty-pdl-experienced-reintegration-in-a-local-context
  82. Reichstein, A. K. (2022). Overcrowding in detention: Human rights implications. International Journal of Prison Reform, 38(1), 22–35.
  83. Roberts, T. M., & White, P. H. (2021). The impact of correctional education programs on social reintegration. Journal of Criminal Rehabilitation, 48(2), 49-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/00820603.2021.1918654
  84. Rodriguez, L. V., & Martinez, J. A. (2023). The role of spirituality in fostering resilience and personal growth among incarcerated individuals. Journal of Prison and Rehabilitation Studies, 15(2), 78-92. https://doi.org/10.5678/jprs.2023.01502
  85. Rutledge, P.& Hog, J. (2021). in-Depth Interviews-rutledge-/   https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119011071.
  86. Rubin, A., Underwood, E., & Godvin, M. (2022). Behindbars: the invention of massincarceration, https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/society/2022/behind-bars-invention-mass-incarceration.
  87. Saguran, J., Cano, J., Llantos, E., & Esnardo J. (2023). Behind Locked Doors: Understanding the Lived Experiences of Persons Deprived of Liberty in Detention and Correctional Facilities. International Journal of Science and Management Studies 6(3).
  88. Savitz-Romer, M., & Nicola, T. (2022, January). Building high-quality school counseling programs to ensure student success. EdResearch for Recovery Project Brief. The Annenberg Institute, Brown University. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/faculty/documents/mandy-savitz-romer-80202.pdf
  89. Skowronski, B. L., & Talik, E. (2018). Coping with stress and the sense of quality of life in inmates of correctional facilities. Psychiatria polska, 52(3), 525–542.
  90. Sloan, A & Bowe, B. (2014). Phenomenology and hermeneutic phenomenology: the philosophy, the methodologies, and using hermeneutic phenomenology to investigate lecturers’ experiences of curriculum design. Qual Quant 48, 1291–1303. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-013-9835-3.
  91. Smith, J., Griffith, D., White, A., Baker, P., Watkins, D., Drummond, M., & Semlow, A. (2020) COVID-19, Equity and Men’s Health. International Journal of Mens Social and Community Health, 3 (1). e48-e64. ISSN 2561-9179 DOI: https: //doi.org/10.22374/ijmsch.v3i1.42.
  92. Smith, J. P., & Johnson, L. M. (2022). Coping mechanisms and adjustment processes in prison life. Journal of Criminology and Rehabilitation, 58(4), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jcr.2022.0412
  93. Stahl N. A. & King J. R. (2020). Expanding approaches for research: Understanding and using trustworthiness in qualitative research. Journal of Developmental Education, 44(1), 26–28.
  94. Tindugan, E. C., Villanueva, D. A., & Balicoco, R. (2023). The life in jail: Lived experiences of Persons Deprived of Liberty. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369185587
  95. Thomas, L. (2021). Prisoner Depression and Low Mood. Retrieved From: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Prisoner-Depression-and-Low-Mood.aspx.
  96. Vivares, K.M., & Cuevas, J.F. (2023). The Reintegration of Ex-Convicts in Society: A Case Study, October 2023International Journal of Social Science and Human Research 6(10) DOI:10.47191/ijsshr/v6-i10-52
  97. Watamura, E. & Loku, T. (2022). Comparing Sentencing Judgments of Judges and Laypeople: The Role of Justifications. PLoSONE17(11):0277939.
  98. Wennerstrom, A., Kamin, S. T., & Lamberti, J. S. (2023). Promoting mental health and criminal justice collaboration through system-level partnerships. Psychiatric Services, 74(5), 613–620.https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20220042
  99. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Jail_Management_and_Penology

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic