Psychosocial experiences of death penalty prisoners at Kality high security centers.
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Date
2018-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the psychosocial experiences of death penalty prisoners
who are in Kality high security centers by focusing on internal and external factors which influence the
experience of the death prisoner. The research therefore focuses on how these factors were internalized
and expressed behaviorally by the individual. To achieve this, the psychosocial perspective, which
consisted of three psychological theories, was used to assess the role of both internal and external
influences in the experience development of the individual.
The method of research deemed most suitable to undertake the study is the qualitative approach, and
more specifically the explanatory case study method. A qualitative study was decided upon because of the
limited and rare nature of the serial murder phenomenon. In Ethiopia there are a small number of
incarcerated death prisoners and only two were willing to participate in the research. The researcher
also believes that a qualitative study will better address the proposed research questions as well as the
dearth of knowledge on the phenomenon. The case study method was selected because it accommodates
the research question, it can deal with contemporary events, and multiple data sources may be used. The
data for the research was obtained by using a semi-structured interview and relevant documentation
concerning each of the two case studies. Five research questions were formulated to find answers to the
experience development of the death penalty prisoners and their behavior. The psychosocial perspective
was used to analyze the two case studies and to compile a detailed explanation for the experience
development and its effect on the behaviors of each death penalty prisoners.
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Keywords
Psychosocial experiences, death penalty prisoners