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Pilarta, M. A. B.(2015) Job Satisfaction and Teachers Performance in Abra State Institute of Sciences and
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Reimers, E. V. (2003) Teachers Professional Development an International Review of the Literature.
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PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHERS:
BASIS FOR PROGRAM FORMULATION
-DR. EDNA SANCHEZ-
ABSTRACT
This study entitled “Problems Encountered by Incarcerated Mothers: Basis for
Program Formulation” was conducted to assess the problems encountered by imprisoned
mothers. Moreover, this study aimed to create a program that will help the incarcerated
mothers in dealing and coping with the addressed problems.
The researchers utilized descriptive method survey research design to determine
the problems encountered by incarcerated mothers in terms of psychological and physical
aspects. The researchers utilized a validated questionnaire for 137 incarcerated mothers
of the Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong City, which immediately retrieved,
tallied and subjected for statistical analysis for interpretation.
The statistics safely concluded that the assessment of the respondents on the
problems encountered by incarcerated mothers have high significant differences.
The researchers came up to the conclusion that majority of the mother
respondents from the Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong City, were 41 to
50 years old, which were confined in prison for 15 years and above, married to an
employed husband who came home daily from work, whom aside from grandparent is the
one who had the custody of their children aging 20 years old and above. Most of them in
terms of cognitive aspect, highly experienced of being concerned or worried about what
might happen to their children and family during their incarceration.In terms of emotional
aspect, they highly experienced the feeling of being rejected or sad when they think of
their children. In terms of physical aspect, they highly experienced broken sleep or cannot
sleep due to bereavement to their family.
Further, the researchers recommended that the Correctional Institution for
Women shall increase the number of visiting hours from the former 9 am to 3 pm
(Thursday to Sunday) to 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday. In case that the inmate has
never been visited for a period of 6 months the Correctional Institution for Women may
issue a notice to the immediate family of the inmate to their last known address through
mail or other means informing the family about the situation of their incarcerated relative.
The Correctional Institution for Women should promote recreational program that would
reduce the agony of prison life of an inmate or should enhance whatever programs they
have for the better improvement of their inmates.The Correctional Institution for Women
should increase the prison capacity to promote better inmate’s health and rehabilitation
process and provide program that will directly address the inmate’s health or physical
problems. In addition, the formulation of Prison Family Day program that would help the
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incarcerated mothers to reduce the amount of stress and bereavement their experienced
in their prison life and also promote social bond, family ties and solidarity among
incarcerated mothers and their family. The program also promotes the importance of
visitation to the well-being of a prisoner.
Moreover, the researchers recommended the formulation of E-Dalaw System
that would help those inmates who showed good behavior in prison to see their families
even they were living distantly from prison by means of internet social websites and will
be given 10 minutes privilege communication.
The researchers also recommended the formulation of CIW Days Program that
would relieve the sadness experienced by the inmates that causes stress by diverting
their attention into different gainful activities and at the same time will also promote
physical health improvement.
Keywords: Incarcerated Mothers, Correctional Institution for Women
INTRODUCTION
Family is a group consisting parents (mother and father) and their children. One
of which they share the same goals and most importantly a long term commitment. Family
is not a family without a mother. Mother is referred to be the “sun of the family” for
different matters. First, she has the undying love for the family. She is the one who, most
of the time sacrifices time to ensure that proper care, attention and affection are given to
their children. Second, she is the one who serves as the first teacher of their children.
Third, a mother is the “sun of the family” for she has this unconditional love to pour for her
family. For the mother, it is her family first before everything herself.
Mothers are timeless teachers in the classroom of life. Women especially
mothers are the most influential educators. They bequeath to others timeless wisdom, a
legacy so precious and valuable. Mothers have often shaped the world from the cradle, by
rocking, nurturing and instructing children to grow up to make life changing and history-
making accomplishments. For every person, there is a mother behind who fostered her
child’s sensibilities to their full potential. Mothers remain some of the most powerful
teachers in the hands-on laboratory of everyday living. Of all their many attributes...all that
comes down to is the heart – a mother’s heart. It has everything to do with the tenderness
and toughness, the compassion and conscientiousness of the heart. There is nothing
quite comforting as having the mother’s arm wrapped around a person when he is sad,
lonely, or afraid.
According to Vallance (2011), most mothers expect to live with and care for their
children from childhood through to adolescence. However, either through choice or force
of circumstance or a combination of both, some mothers found themselves living apart
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from their children on a long-term or permanent basis. The process of maternal absence
typically involves a physical, emotional, social, and sometimes legal shift in the nature and
quality of a woman’s relationship to her birth children.
One of the reasons that contributes to separation of mother, according to the
United Nations (2013)General Assembly on Pathways to condition and consequences of
incarceration for women, many countries are witnessing a significantly disproportionate
rate of increase of women being incarcerated, compared to their male counterparts.
Globally, women and girls constitute a minority of the prison population as a whole, and it
is estimated that they represent between 2 to 9 per cent of the total population.
Throughout the world, women prisoners face similar human rights violations relating to the
causes that led to their imprisonment, the conditions they face in prison and the
consequences of their incarceration.
In addition, according to Abuyo et al. (2015), female inmates largely resemble
male inmates in terms of race, ethnic background, and age. However, women are
substantially more likely than men to be serving time for a drug offense and less likely to
have been sentenced for a violent crime.
Further, according to Imber-Black as cited by Easterling (2012), the percentage
of women in the prison population has greatly increased in recent decades. Women,
specifically mothers, who are incarcerated face multiple hardships, including mental
health problems, abuse, and lack of education and job skills prior to incarceration.
Moreover, once mothers enter the structural confines of prison, their powers and
abilities to actively parent are diminished. However, as incarcerated mothers are still
mothers, they are still expected (by society and by themselves) to perform as mothers,
despite the difficulties of doing so behind bars.
In addition, according to Johnson and Waldfogel as cited by Easterling (2012),
most mothers who become incarcerated (approximately 75 percent) lived with their
children prior to incarceration. These mothers often have intense distress at the initial
separation from their children.
In addition, according to Torch as cited by Easterling (2012), imprisonment
places unique stress on individuals. The deprivation experienced inmates created unique
stress for the individual.
Further, according to Sinha (2010), the adaptation to imprisonment is almost
always difficult and, at times, creates habits of thinking and acting that can be
dysfunctional. Yet, the psychological effects of life in prison vary from individual to
individual.
According to Zamble and Porporino as cited by Garcia (2015), incarceration
causes deterioration of the inmates’ personality and mental, emotional, and physical well-
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being. Clinical and psychiatric case studies have long suggested that imprisonment can
be devastating at least for some offenders.
According to Enos as cited by Easterling (2012), the ideas on mothering discount
the difficulties experienced by those women most likely incarcerated. Achieving a
standard of motherhood according to these ideas is difficult without the constraint of
prison. Once incarcerated, mothers confront challenges of family life and struggle,
particularly according to such idealistic hegemonic standards. Mothering from prison
presents a unique set of challenges. Prior to incarceration, mothers are subject to
gendered expectations to mothering in general. Entering from prison not only violates
gender stereotypes, much as criminal behavior does, but also tarnishes the perception of
being a “good mother” by hegemonic standards. Once in prison, mothers face a variety of
challenges, overcoming structural and familial obstacle to communicate with their children
and navigating in prison in general, often requiring women to reconstruct their identities as
mothers as they attempt parenting roles from behind bars. Incarcerated women meet
unique struggles due to their gender and status as mothers both outside and inside
prison.
Moreover, according to Benedict as cited by Easterling (2012), active parenting
may be impossible in the practical sense of performing caregiving task because parents
seeking to stay active in the lives of their children need to redefine what it means to take
part in parenting because of the structural limitations of prison. Incarcerated mothers are
often consumed by guilt and/or other negative feelings and emotions, largely due to the
loss of contact with their children. Larger consequences for family life as a whole include
stigma, marriage problems and loss of family ties, particularly for minority families.
Furthermore, according to Morash and Schram as cited by Easterling (2012),
incarcerated mothers experience stigma due to their deprivation from roles as traditional
mother. This experience of stigma is a gender experience, with mothers being subject to
more negative stigma than are fathers separated from children by incarceration. Two
factors suggest the additional stigma for mothers: the fact that most incarcerated mothers
were caregivers of their children prior to incarceration and because mothers are seen as
nurturers of children by hegemonic standards.
According to Easterling (2012), to understand mothering in prison, we must
recognize the expectations placed on mothers in general. Then, people must consider
those expectations against the practical and phenomenological experiences of
incarcerated mothers, including the dramatic and drastic loss of power over their children.
What emerges is a picture of “double jeopardy”. Mothers are scrutinized prior to
incarceration by being upheld unrealistic expectations of motherhood, particularly if they
are lower class or minority. Then, they are scrutinized for deviating farther from the social
expectations by becoming a criminal.
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However, on the CIW (Correctional Institution for Women), where pregnant
women and new mothers are separated from other inmates, and not able to join
communal activities, this appeared to be a particular risk. Inmates can keep their children
with them for one year, or longer on special request; however, Baker (2013), was
informed of cases in which women gave their babies to outside care early because they
could not afford to provide enough food, clothing or other necessary items for them. “If
you would only see how the women cry when their small children are brought by
neighbors, even the toughest ones. I feel this is the source of their depression.” A number
of women indicated the trauma caused by giving birth while detained. They spoke,
sometimes very emotionally, about the acute stress, anxiety and guilt that they feel in the
prison environment as pregnant women. They worry sometimes obsessively about the
risk that their situation may cause their unborn or newborn children; about having limited
power to ensure their baby’s health; about who should take care of the baby; and about
how they can be sure that it will be safe.
Moreover, Baker’s research has indicated that most mothers in detention have
an intense emotional and psychological need to stay closely involved with their children,
experienced differently to most men, and which significantly impacts their health and
wellbeing in prison.
The researchers focused their study on the female inmates specifically mothers
inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women because it is the only institution in the
Philippines that is exclusive for female inmates. Hence, this institution comprises number
of mother inmates who were the primary respondents of the study.
The Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) is one of the seven major facilities
handled by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), an agency under the Department of
Justice located at Mandaluyong City, is the main station for female offenders in the
Philippines. It is the smallest but the most overcrowded correctional institution in the
country (Guerro and Molato, 2017).
As of February 2018, the Correctional Institution for Women has an
imprisonment of 119% with the population number of 2,915 inmates. This is far from the
ideal capacity of 2,453 of its 19 buildings. The congestion rate comprises 19% of its total
population.
With regard to the ages of inmates, inmates having an age of 19-21 gained the
frequency count of 13 or 0.45%, 22-39 years old gained the frequency count of 805 or 27.
62%, 40-59 years old gained the frequency count of 1,636 or 56.12%, 60 and above
gained the frequency number of 453 or 15.54% and 8 inmates or 0.27% has an unknown
ages. This implies that the Correctional Institution for Women is well dominated by ages
40-59 years old.
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As to their civil status, 24.43% or 712 inmates were single, 33.24% or 969 keep their children with them. Yet no particular program or treatment is offered for signs of
inmates were married, 10.15% or 296 inmates were widowed and the remaining33.18% post-partum or other forms of depression.
or 938 were unclassified. According to Roosevelt (1903) as cited by Stone (2013).”The good mother is
As to security classification, 72.42% or 2,111 inmates belong to the maximum more important to the community then even the ablest man but the woman who shirks her
security compound, 24.80% or 723 inmates belong to the medium security compound and duty as wife and mother earns the right to our contempt.”
the remaining 2.78% or 81 inmates belong to the minimum security compound. Based on the above interviews, the researcher became interested to assess the
As to the crime committed 54. 51% or 1,589 inmates were convicted of Crimes problems of mothers being incarcerated in their psychological and physical aspect,
Relative to Opium and Other Prohibited Drugs or Violation of Republic Act 9165 or the through its finding, to formulate program for the incarcerated mothers.
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, 31.76% or 895 inmates were convicted of This study was limited only to the assessment of the Problems Encountered by
Crimes Against Property, 11.73% or 342 inmates were convicted of Crimes Against Incarcerated Mothers confined at the Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong
Person, 2.13% or 62 inmates were convicted of Crimes Against Personal Liberty and City and only dealt with the psychological problems in terms of cognitive or intellectual
Security, 0.65% or 19 inmates were convicted of Crimes Commited by Public Officers, aspect and the physical problems encountered by the incarcerated mothers.
0.13% or 4 inmates were convicted of Crimes Against Public Order and the remaining
0.10% or 3 inmates were convicted of Crimes Against National Security and Law of THE PROBLEM
Nation. 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
An interview was conducted by the researchers and they identified that the 1.1 age,
majority of the mother inmates were having an intense worries about the situation and 1.2 civil status,
what might happen to their family when they were being imprisoned. Visitation is the 1.3 number of children
primary concern of every prisoner. Majority of the incarcerated mothers felt that they were 1.4 age of children,
not important to their family particularly if they were not been visited by their family, 1.5 employment status of husband
majority of the family of the incarcerated resides far from the prison facility, this is the 1.6 children’s guardian,
primary factor according to them why there were not been visited by their family. Majority 1.7 length of stay in jail and
of them often felt boredom for everyday that being passed waiting for their family to visit 1.8 frequency of visit from family?
them. Majority felt being worthless when they could not attend the needs of their children 2. What are the different problems encountered by incarcerated mother in terms of:
especially on the latter’s education. On the special occasions of their family like the 2.1 Psychological
birthday celebration of their children, they could not be there. The celebration of a. cognitive or intellectual
Christmas with their family is inherently impossible because of their incarceration. Majority b. emotional
of them felt extreme sadness when they talk about their family, so there was a policy in 2.2 Physical aspects?
prison that person who would visit the prisoner except to a family member, should not talk 3. Are there significant differences on the assessment of the respondents on the
about family matters because this would extremely affect the intellectual and emotional problems encountered by incarcerated mothers?
well-being of the prisoners. 4. Are there significant relationships on the profile of the respondents and their
Most of them experienced difficulty in sleep especially on their first days in assessment on the problems encountered by incarcerated mothers?
prison, when they think about their families and also due to overcrowding. Sometimes 5. Based on the result of the study what programs can be proposed for the
they could attend their meal and personal hygiene because of so much thinking about the incarcerated mother?
situation of their children.
Further, according to Baker and Dignity (2013), depression was visible and
referred to regularly during interviews, often in relation to separation from families and
children. This was also acute among women who had given birth in prison but did not
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METHODOLOGY
The researcher used descriptive method survey research design to determine TABLE 2.
the problems encountered of incarcerated mother in terms of physical, psychological and CIVIL STATUS PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS
Civil Status Freq. P Rank
emotional aspect. Married 54 39.42 1
The locale of the study was the Correctional Institution for Women situated in Separated 41 29.93 2
Mandaluyong City, the primary correctional facility for women offenders in the Philippines. Widowed 29 21.17 3
Out of the 2,915 women inmates as of March 2018, the study utilized 175 mother Single 13 9.49 4
inmates, however only 137 of them completely answered the questionnaire and served as Total 137 100
the direct respondents of the study.
The researchers used the Purposive Random Sampling in choosing the respondents of As revealed in Table 2, married gained the highest frequency count of 54 or
the study. It involved taking a random sample of a small number of units from a larger 39.42% at rank 1 while single made the least frequency count of 13 or 9.49% at rank 4.
target population. This is for the assumption that, most of the mother inmates confined in the Correctional
Institution for Women are being married prior to their incarceration.
In contrary to these findings, the study of Canda et al. (2015) revealed that out of
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS their 43 respondents from the inmates of Correctional Institution for Women, 27 or 63
percent of the respondents are single, and 16 or 37 percent of the respondents are
TABLE 1. married. The respondents of this study who are single dominated in terms of civil status.
AGE PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS
Age Freq. P Rank However, their study utilized the all the female inmates who served at least 10 years and
41 – 50 years old 42 30.66 1 were soon to be released in prison and the present study purposively utilized only mother
51 – 60 years old 36 26.28 2 inmates.
31 – 40 years old 28 20.44 3 According to Chepkemoi (2011), most of the women inmates comprises 62%
61 years old and above 18 13.14 4 were single, though the number of the single respondents is high some still had children
21 – 30 years old 11 8.03 5
under 18 years before the imprisonment. However, the locale and the culture of the
Below 20 years old 2 1.46 6
Total 137 100 person involve in this study differs from the present study.

As presented in Table 1, the age range of 41 - 50 years old gained the highest TABLE 3.
NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF THE RESPONDENTS
frequency count of 42 or 30.66% at rank 1. On the other hand, the age range of below 20
Number of Children Freq. P Rank
years old made the least and equal frequency counts of 2 or 1.46% at rank 6. This is for 2 29 21.17 1.5
the assumption that most confined in the Correctional Institution for Women are well 3 29 21.17 1.5
dominated by the ages of 41-50. 1 22 16.06 3
To support this findings, the study of Canda et al. (2015) revealed that the out of 4 21 15.33 4
their 43 respondents from the inmates of Correctional Institution for Women, 12 or 28 5 12 8.76 5
6 10 7.30 6
percent of the respondents fall under age bracket of 39-45; 8 or 19 percent of the
Not indicated 7 5.11 7
respondents fall under age bracket of 46-50; 4 or 9 percent of the respondents fall under 7 7 2.92 8
age bracket of 51-55; 10 or 23 percent of the respondents fall under age bracket of 56-60; 8 1 0.73 10
7 or 16 percent of the respondents fall under the age bracket of 61-65; and 2 or 5 percent 9 1 0.73 10
of the respondents fall under the age bracket of 66-70. The age bracket that was 10 1 0.73 10
dominated by the respondents of this study is 39-45. Total 137 100

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As gleaned in Table 3, both 2 and 3 number of children garnered the highest
frequency counts of 29 or 21.17% at ranks 1.5 whereas 8, 9 and 10 obtained the least TABLE 6.
CONDITIONS IF HUSBAND IS EMPLOYED
and equal frequency counts of one or 0.73% at ranks 10.
Conditions Freq. P Rank
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, as of 2010, the average Uwian Araw-Araw 30 61.22 1
household size stands at 4.6 persons per household. Higit sa Isang Linggo Bago Umuwi 7 14.29 2
Nagtratrabaho sa Labas ng Bansa 5 10.20 3
TABLE 4. Walang Sagot 4 8.16 4
AGE OF CHILDREN OF THE RESPONDENTS Lingguhan kung Umuwi 3 6.12 5
Age of Children Freq. P Rank Total 49 100
20 years old and above 84 61.31 1
16 – 19 years old 52 37.96 2 As shown in Table 6, uwian araw araw got the highest frequency count of 30 or
13 – 15 years old 36 26.28 3 61.22% at rank 1 whereas lingguhan kung umuwi made the least frequency count of three
10 – 12 years old 23 16.79 4 or 6.12% at rank 5.
7 – 9 years old 15 10.95 5
4 – 6 years old 12 8.76 6
To support this findings, The Pew Research survey found that about half (53%)
1 – 3 years old 5 3.65 7 of all working parents with children under age 18 say it is difficult for them to balance the
1 – 11 months old 3 2.19 8 responsibilities of their job with the responsibilities of their family. There is no significant
As seen in Table 4, the age range of the children 20 years old and above got the gap in attitudes between mothers and fathers: 56% of mothers and 50% of fathers say
highest frequency count of 84 or 61.31% at rank 1. Meanwhile, 1 – 11 months old got the juggling work and family life is difficult for them.
least frequency count of three or 2.19% at rank 8. Fathers spend more time than mothers in paid work, while mothers spend more
To support these findings, the study of Maranan et al. (2014) revealed that time on child care and household chores. However, in the absence of mother in a home,
majority of the children of the incarcerated parents were within the age bracket of 19-22 father devotes and spends more time caring for children and doing household chores.
years old, majority were female. Comes home early after work, balance their time for family life and job.
TABLE 7.
TABLE 5.
CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN OF THE RESPONDENTS
EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF HUSBAND OF THE RESPONDENTS
Children’s Guardian Freq. P Rank
Employment Status Freq. P Rank
Father 35 25.55 1.5
No Answer 58 42.34 1
Grandparents 35 25.55 1.5
Employed 49 35.77 2
Uncle and Auntie 24 17.52 3
Unemployed 30 21.90 3
Eldest Brother/Sister 15 10.95 4
Total 137 100
No Idea About Children’s Guardian 8 5.84 5
As reflected in Table 5, no answer made the highest frequency count of 58 or No Answer 7 5.11 6
42.34% at rank 1 while unemployed got the least frequency count of 30 or 21.90% at rank Father and Eldest Brother/Sister 3 2.19 8
3. Father and Grandparents 3 2.19 8
To support this findings, according to Philippine Statistics Authority on the Grandparents and Uncle and Auntie 3 2.19 8
Gender Statistics on Labor and Employment, 77.6% of men were employed all over the DSWD 1 0.73 11.5
Father, Grandparents and Uncle and Auntie 1 0.73 11.5
Philippines. Father and Uncle and Auntie 1 0.73 11.5
In addition, according to 1 Timothy 5:8, but if any provide not for his own, and Uncle and Auntie and Eldest Brother/Sister 1 0.73 11.5
especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an Total 137 100
infidel. (fathers must provide for their families)
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As given in Table 7, both father and grandparents who were the guardians of the
TABLE 9.
children made the highest and equal frequency counts of 35 or 25.55% at ranks 1.5. On FREQUENCY OF VISIT FROM THE FAMILY OF THE RESPONDENTS
the contrary, DSWD, Father, Grandparents and Uncle and Auntie, Father and Uncle and Freq. P Rank
Auntie, and Uncle and Auntie and Eldest Brother/Sister got the least and equal frequency None 60 43.80 1
counts of one or 0.73% at ranks 11.5. The researchers assumed that the father is the 1 – 2 times a month 50 36.50 2
primary custodian and caregiver of their children while the mother is incarcerated. The 5 times and above 16 11.68 3
researchers also assumed that while the mother is incarcerated and the father is 3 – 4 times a month 11 8.03 4
Total 137 100
employed, the custodian or the caregiver of the children would be their grandparents.
To support these findings, the study of Jackson (2011) revealed that out of the 66 As seen in Table 9, none made the highest frequency count of 60 or 43.80% at
children of the incarcerated mothers utilized as the respondent of their study, 30 were rank 1 while 3 – 4 times a month got the least frequency count of 11 or 8.03% at rank 4.
being cared for by their fathers. The remaining children were cared for by various family The researchers assumed that most of the family of the incarcerated mothers
members except for one child who was in state custody. lived far from the location of the Correctional Institution for Women facility so they were
unable to visit them.
TABLE 8.
LENGTH OF STAY IN THE JAIL OF THE RESPONDENTS To support these findings, according to Bales and Mears as cited by Begun,
Length of Stay in the Jail Freq. P Rank (2011) their study revealed that typically most inmates were not visited. Frequent
15 years and above 42 30.66 1 obstacles can include distance from the visitor’s home to the location of the prison, cost,
3 – 4 years 19 13.87 2.5 and prison visitation policy and procedure. Visitation is commonly hindered due to the
5 – 6 years 19 13.87 2.5 geographic location of inmates.
9 – 10 years 17 12.41 4
11 – 12 years 14 10.22 5
TABLE 10.
7 – 8 years 13 9.49 6.5 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHER IN TERMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
13 – 14 years 13 9.49 6.5 (COGNITIVE/INTELLECTUAL)
Total 137 100 Items W.M V.I. Rank
As gleaned in Table 8, 15 years and above length of stay in the jail got the .
highest frequency count of 42 or 30.66% at rank 1 while both 7 – 8 and 13 – 14 years Bilang isang nakakulong, ako ay:
nababahala na may maaaring masamang mangyari sa aking mga anak at pamilya 3.98 S 1
made the least and equal frequency counts of 13 or 9.49% at ranks 6.5. The researchers habang nakakulong ako
assumed that most of the respondents are penalized by an afflictive penalty. nag-aalala na baka kulang sa pangunahing pangangailangan ang aking mga anak 3.93 S 2
To support this findings, the study of Canda et al. (2015), revealed that majority nag-aalala na baka hindi makapagtapos ang aking mga anak dahil sa kakulangan ko ng 3.74 S 3
paggabay sa kanila
of the inmates of Correctional Institution for Women having 0-5 years of imprisonment nag-aalala o nababahala patungkol sa iniisip ng ibang tao sa aking pamilya 3.71 S 4
bracket has 1 or 1 percent of the respondents; 6-10 years of imprisonment bracket have 9 natatakot na maaring maging biktima ng panunukso o pambubully ang aking mga anak 3.70 S 5
or 21 percent of the respondents; 11-15 years of imprisonment bracket have 10 or 23 nag-aalala sa posibleng pagkakawatak-watak ng aking pamilya habang ako ay malayo 3.64 S 6
sa kanila.
percent of the respondents; 16-20 years of imprisonment bracket have 16 or 37 percent of nag-aalala na baka gumawa ng masama ang aking mga anak dahil hindi ko sila 3.57 S 7
the respondents; and 21-25 years of imprisonment bracket have 7 or 16 percent of the magabayan ng ayos
respondents. Hence, the respondents who stayed for 16-20 years in prison dominated in nag-aalala o nababahala na dahil sa aking pagkakakulong nakakaranas ng 3.54 S 8
diskriminasyon ang aking pamilya
this study in terms of years of imprisonment. nagkakaroon ng negatibong pananaw patungkol sa aking kakayanan bilang isang ina o 3.25 DG 9
naiisip kong hindi ako responsableng ina S
nag-iisip na magpakamatay na lamang upang maiwasan ang sobrang pangungulila ko 1.68 LD 10
sa aking mga anak S
Composite Mean 3.47 S

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As stated in Table 10, the item “Bilang isang nakakulong, ako ay nababahala na TABLE 11.
may maaaring masamang mangyari sa aking mga anak at pamilya habang nakakulong PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHER IN TERMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
ako” got the highest weighted mean of 3.98, highest rank of 1 and interpreted as (EMOTIONAL)
“sumasang-ayon”. On the contrary, the item “Bilang isang nakakulong, ako ay nag-iisip na Items W.M. V.I. Rank
Dahil sa pagkawalay ko sa aking pamilya o dahil sa aking pagkakakulong,
magpakamatay na lamang upang maiwasan ang sobrang pangungulila ko sa aking mga
ako ay:
anak” gained the least weighted mean of 1.68, which ranked last and was described as lubhang nalulungkot kapag naiisip ko ang aking mga anak 4.35 LS 1
“lubusang di sumasang-ayon”. nakaramdam ng pagkaaawa sa aking mga anak dahil sa walang inang 4.19 S 2
The composite mean was 3.47 described as “sumasang-ayon” gumagabay sa kanilang paglaki.
To support this findings, according to Benjamin et al. (2011),all of the mothers nalulungkot para sa kalagayan ng aking mga anak 4.10 S 3
were concerned for their children during their incarceration. The women worried that their nakaramdam ng takot sa maaring sapitin ng aking mga anak o pamilya na 3.76 S 4
nasa labas
children did not have their mother for daily interaction and/or special occasions; that their natatakot na maaring ikinahihiya ako ng aking pamilya 2.58 DS 5
children would miss their mother’s presence. One mother said, “As a mother, I think they nahahabag o nalulungkot kapag pinag-uusapan ang tungkol sa pamilya 3.56 S 6
need me for advice and help. Majority of them have a main concern that they were being nagalit at sinisisi ko ang sarili dahil sa pagkakamali 3.54 S 7
with their children’s life. The women worried their children might be anxious, worried, or naging matamlayin sanhi ng pagaalala sa aking pamilya 3.12 DGS 8
confused by the absence of their mother; they worried their children might be naaawa sa sarili kapag hindi nabibisita ng aking pamilya 3.10 DGS 9
embarrassed, angry, or resentful that their mother was incarcerated. One mother shared madaling magalit kahit sa maliliit na bagay lamang 2.45 DS 10
nawawalan ng sigla sa pakikilahok sa mga gawain sa loob ng kulungan 2.44 DS 11
that her son thinks they took her away from them.” Another mother said that her son Composite Mean 3.38 DGS
thinks that she was locked up, that they did it. Because of her son’s age, her son doesnot
understand it was his mother’s fault. Some believed their absence represented neglect. As stated in Table 11, the item “Dahil sa pagkawalay ko sa aking pamilya o dahil
As one mother responded, “When I wasn’t there and incarcerated, it’s kind of neglect— sa aking pagkakakulong, ako ay lubhang nalulungkot kapag naiisip ko ang aking mga
because I wasn’t there.” Others have specific worries: “My grandma is caring for them, but anak” gained the highest weighted mean of 4.35, highest rank of 1 and adjective rating of
she isn’t a good caregiver so they are on their own.” The statement “They need to be with “lubos na sumasang-ayon” while “Dahil sa pagkawalay ko sa aking pamilya o dahil sa
me in a stable home” expressed a common sentiment of the women. aking pagkakakulong, ako ay nawawalan ng sigla sa pakikilahok sa mga gawain sa loob
In addition, Douglas et al. (2009), found out that women prisoners feel intense ng kulungan” gained the least weighted mean of 2.44, least rank of 11 and described as
shock, disbelief and isolation on reception to prison. There were the commonly reported “di sumasang-ayon”.
concerns about separation from family and children, in particular, worries about who was The composite mean was 3.38 interpreted as “di gaanong sumasang-ayon”.
taking care of their children and/or dependent relatives. Women are also anxious about To support this findings, Sales et al. as cited by Tewksbury (2008) stated many
what awaited them inside prison. inmates experience mental and emotional health problems, with most common symptoms
reported including feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Approximately, 1% of
their respondents reported psychotic symptoms, a higher proportion of the respondents
reported symptoms related to worrying too much (16.0%), depression (15.4%), anxiety
(8.1%), and loneliness (59. 5%).

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TABLE 13.
TABLE 12. DIFFERENCE ON THE ASSESSMENT OF THE RESPONDENTS ON THE PROBLEMS
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHER IN TERMS OF PHYSICAL ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHERS
ASPECTS Variables F- p-value Decision Interpretation
Items W.M. V.I. Rank Value
Bilang isang inang nakakulong o sanhi ng aking pagkakakulong, Problems Encountered 9.65 0.00065 p<0.01, Reject Highly Significant
ako ay: by incarcerated Mothers Ho
hindi makatulog ng maayos o nakakaranas ng paputol-putol na 3.23 DGS 1
tulog dahil sa lubos na pangungulila sa aking pamilya As seen in Table 13, the computed F-value of 9.65 has a corresponding p-value
nakakaranas ng pamimintig at pananakit ng kalamnan 2.55 DS 2 of 0.00065 which was less than the p-value of 0.01, thus rejecting the null hypothesis.
nakakaranas ng pagod ng walang dahilan o pagkawala ng 2.40 DS 4 This safely generalized that the assessment of the respondents on the problems
enerhiya encountered by incarcerated mothers has high significant differences.
napapadalas ang pagkakaroon ng sakit tulad ng ubo, sipon, 2.40 DS 4
pananakit ng ulo at iba pa
To support these findings, the study of Zamble and Porporino (1998) as cited by
nakakaramdam ng pagsakit at paninikip ng dibdib 2.40 DS 4 Garcia, (2015) revealed that incarceration causes deterioration of the inmates’ personality
nawawalan ng ganang kumain na nagiging sanhi ng pagbaba ng 2.39 DS 6 and mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Clinical and psychiatric case studies have
aking timbang long suggested that imprisonment can be devastating.
nakakaranas o nakakaramdam ng panlalamig ng mga kamay at 2.36 DS 7 In addition, according to Labayo as cited by Garcia et al. (2015), they found out
paa
that there are problems encountered inside the jail as claimed by the inmates’ respondent.
nakakaramdam ng panghihina ng katawan 2.33 DS 8
nakakaranas ng sobrang pagpapawis kahit hindi ako masyadong 2.28 DS 9 These problems can be classified as personal (psychological), physical and smoothing
gumagalaw related to the situation inside the cell. Personal or psychological problems include
nakakaranas ng panunuyo ng labiat bibig at hirap sa paglunok 2.03 DS 10 homesickness and boredom. Physical problems include health implication of overcoming
Composite Mean 2.44 DS and supply of medicine.

As presented in Table 12, the item “Bilang isang inang nakakulong o sanhi ng TABLE 14. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS AND THEIR
aking pagkakakulong, ako ay hindi makatulog ng maayos o nakakaranas ng paputol-putol ASSESSMENT ON THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY INCARCERATED MOTHERS TO THEIR
na tulog dahil sa lubos na pangungulila sa aking pamilya” gained the highest weighted PROFILE
Variables r-Value p-value Decision Interpretation
mean of 3.23, highest rank of 1 and interpreted as “di gaanong sumasang-ayon” whereas Age 0.16 0.03189 p<0.05, Reject Ho Significant
the item “Bilang isang inang nakakulong o sanhi ng aking pagkakakulong, ako ay Civil Status 0.19 0.01365 p<0.05, Reject Ho Significant
nakakaranas ng panunuyo ng labi at bibig at hirap sa paglunok” gained the least weighted Number of Children 0.25 0.00173 p<0.01, Reject Ho Highly Significant
mean of 2.03, least rank of 10 and described as “di sumasang-ayon”. Age of Children 0.22 0.00518 p<0.01, Reject Ho Highly Significant
The composite mean of 2.44 was interpreted as “di sumasang-ayon”. Employment Status of the 0.26 0.00116 p<0.01, Reject Ho Highly Significant
To support the findings, the study of Zulueta, and Distajo (2011) revealed that Husband
Conditions 0.24 0.00253 p<0.01, Reject Ho Highly Significant
sources of stress include jail term, physical, illness/injury, change in sleeping habits, etc. Children’s Guardian 0.22 0.00518 p<0.01, Reject Ho Highly Significant
Moreover, stressful events affect life such as being jailed. Length of Stay in the Jail 0.21 0.00725 p<0.01, Reject Ho Highly Significant
Chronic worrying can affect one’s daily life so much that it may interfere with your Frequency of Visit 0.15 0.05282 p<0.05, Reject Ho Significant
appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep, and job performance.

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 Lipa City Colleges
As shown in the table, the computed r-values of 0.25 for number of children, 0.22
for age of children and children’s guardian, 0.26 for employment status, 0.24 for
conditions and 0.21 for length of stay in the jail have corresponding p-values of less than
0.01, thus rejecting the null hypothesis.
In addition, the r-value of 0.16 for age, 0.19 for civil status and 0.15 for frequency
of visit have corresponding p-values of less than 0.05, thus also rejecting the null
hypothesis.
These safely implied that the problems encountered by incarcerated mothers
have high significant relationships when grouped according to their number of children,
age of children and children’s guardian, employment status of the husband and its
conditions and length of stay in the jail and significant relationships when grouped
according to their age, civil status and frequency of visit.
To support the findings according to Houck and Booker as cited by
Weber(2011),Incarcerated mothers are confronted with issues of “infrequent visitations
and limited contact with children, custody issues, loss of identity as a mother, loss of
control of the parenting process, worry about the care their children are receiving,
concerns regarding being truthful with children about themselves and their criminal
behavior, and thoughts of eventual reunification with their children. Being faced with these
factors not only have a great impact on a woman’s emotional states, but also on her
sense of self-esteem, self-definition, and identity as a woman.”
Further, according to Laub et al. as cited by Smith and McCarthy (2016), the
‘visitation effect’ assumes that visits improve prisoner relations with family, which in turn
results in positive outcomes such as reduced reoffending risks.
In contrast, according to Maruna and Roy as cited by Smith and McCarthy
(2016), offenders who have fewer connective bonds in their lives exhibit delayed
desistance from crime. Visits may contribute to maintaining or improving the quality of
family attachments, whilst those prisoners with fragile family attachments may see these
relationships further ‘knifed off’ as a result of the stresses induced by incarceration.
Moreover, according to Thompson & Loper as cited by Kates et al. (2008), the
length of the prison sentence is also related to women’s behavior while incarcerated.
Those with medium and long-term sentences are more likely to have higher rates of
behavioral problems and institutional infractions. It may be that short-term inmates fear
having to serve a longer term if they have behavior problems. One reason that long-term
inmates may have behavior problems is because of limited contact with family members,
especially children, during the time they serve their sentences. Long-term inmates may
have more anger than those short-term inmates who can look forward to reuniting sooner
with their children and families. It is certainly understandable that shorter sentences for
women may leave women more hopeful about reunification with family members,
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especially children. Longer sentences may put family reunification out of reach and can
make it even more of a challenge for family members, including children, to maintain
relationships with incarcerated women.
Further, according to Jackson (2011), 80% of women in prison have children.
The status, number and the care giver of children were greatly significant to express their
concern about their children. He also considered that these children living with someone
else while their mother is away is a burden on the caregivers.
The imprisonment of mothersleads the fathers to play a role in children’s lives
outside the prison. However, it is also important to acknowledge that other fathers may
have been unable to assume full responsibility for their children due to their living or
working situations and the lack of practical support as a single parents who needed to
work.
CONCLUSION
1. Majority of the incarcerated mother respondents from the Correctional Institution
for Women, Mandaluyong City, were 41 to 50 years old, which were confined in
prison for 15 years and above, married to an employed husband who came
home daily from work, whom aside from grandparent is the one who had the
custody of their children aging 20 years old and above.
2. Incarcerated mothers were very concerned or worried about what might happen
to their children and families during their incarceration.
3. Incarcerated mothers felt rejection or sadness when they think of their children.
4. Incarcerated mothers experienced lack or broken sleep due to bereavement to
their family.
5. The assessment of the respondents on the problems encountered by
incarcerated mothers have high significant differences.
6. The problems encountered by incarcerated mothers have high significant
relationship when grouped according to their number of children, age of children,
and children’s guardian, employment status of the husband and its conditions
and length of stay in jail and significant relationship when grouped according to
their age, civil status and frequency of visit.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings and conclusions presented in the study, the researchers
recommend the following:
1. The Correctional Institution for Women shall increase the number of visiting
hours from the former 9 am to 3 pm (Thursday to Sunday) to 8 am to 4 pm
(Tuesday to Sunday). In case that the inmate has never been visited for a period
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of 6 months, the Correctional Institution for Women may issue a notice to the Canda et al. (2015) A Correlational Study between Adjustment to Prison and Transition to Community Life of
immediate family of the inmate to their last known address through mail or other Female Inmates at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City
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