Thesis:

Influence of cognitive strategies on explosive disorder among female inmates towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive restructuring strategies on intermittent explosive disorder among female inmates’ violence towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya. The study objectives were: To identify intermittent explosive disorder traits among female inmates towards male partners’ violence, to evaluate the influence of reframing on intermittent explosive disorder, to examine the influence of problem-solving on intermittent explosive disorder, to assess the influence of self-monitoring on intermittent explosive disorder and to examine the influence of emotional regulation on intermittent explosive disorder. The study was anchored on Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura and self-evaluation maintenance theory by Abraham Tesser. The study used an Ex Post Facto research design. The study was carried out at Langata and Thika Women Prisons. Quantitative data was obtained from the sampled inmates using questionnaires; while qualitative data was collected using interview guide from the prison key informants. The target population for the study was 1023 inmates. The study incorporated 8 constables, 4 counsellors, 3 chaplains as key informants. Stratified and proportionate simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 307 inmates. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential tests. Hypotheses were tested at p=.05 using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically according to the study objectives. The findings showed there was a statistically non-significant positive relationship between reframing and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = .051, p = .417]. Increase in intensity of frame shift, target thoughts and evidence of thoughts led to increased traits of intermittent explosive disorder. The study also revealed that there was a statistically non-significant negative relationship between problem solving and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = -.029, p = .639] with increase intensity of problem-solving indicators, there was decrease in the severity of intermittent explosive disorder. The study also found that there was a statistically non-significant negative relationship between self-monitoring and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r(257) = .114, p = .068] ; the more increased indicators of self-monitoring, the more decrease in severity of intermittent explosive disorder. The study also revealed that there was a statistically non-significant negative relationship between emotional regulation and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = -.059, p = .347]; that is, with increase in self awareness, modulating response and response to emotions, the lower the severity of intermittent explosive disorder. Based on these findings, the study recommends that prison management through the ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, enhance provision of counselling programmes based on cognitive restructuring techniques in the prisons. Reframing as a technique would provide solutions on the past painful memories of the inmates; optimistically avoid violence and keep away from crime. The programmes would revamp counselling services on problem-solving techniques, self-monitoring techniques promote self-control and emotional management in and out of prison. Use of cognitive restructuring programmes would also boost inmates’ mindfulness. The study findings would add new knowledge in counselling psychology, to prison stakeholders, policymakers and researchers on the use of cognitive restructuring strategies in behaviour change.