Coping Mechanisms Employed by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLS) to Manage Stress, Mental Health Issues, and Other Challenges at the Laoang Sub-Provincial Jail

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the coping mechanisms employed by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to manage stress, mental health issues, and other challenges while incarcerated at the Laoang Sub-Provincial Jail in Northern Samar, Philippines. The research aimed to document their lived experiences and identify recurring themes that could inform the design of a responsive and rights-based wellness program. A total of 75 PDLs, categorized according to the severity of their offenses—grave, less grave, and light felonies—participated in the study through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was applied to uncover key coping strategies. Findings revealed that spiritual coping was the most dominant mechanism across all categories, with prayer, religious fellowship, and faith-based routines offering emotional and psychological support. Self-reflection, obedience to jail regulations, physical exercise, and peer support also emerged as significant adaptive strategies. PDLs expressed aspirations for education, skills training, and reintegration, underscoring their potential for rehabilitation. Emotional struggles such as anxiety, uncertainty, and institutional neglect were also highlighted, especially among those awaiting trial. The study concludes that while PDLs demonstrate resilience through informal coping mechanisms, there remains a critical gap in access to structured mental health and psychosocial support. The findings affirm the need for a comprehensive wellness program anchored in Republic Act No. 11036 (Mental Health Act) and guided by international standards for prisoner care and rehabilitation. Such interventions must be context-sensitive, inclusive, and grounded in the voices and experiences of the incarcerated.