Abstract

The study investigated the sources of depression among prisoners in Okaka correction center, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The study adopted descriptive research design. The population of the study consists of 626 prisoners (11 females and 615 males). The sample of the study comprises of 300 despondence (290 males and 10 females) drawn using multistage sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.81 for Inmates Depression Questionnaire. Simple percentage and t test was used for data analysis. Result of the findings showed that poor prison environment, over- crowdedness of the prison, low self-esteem of prisoners, fear of discrimination, fear of family and societal abandonment are sources of depression among prisoners in Okaka correction center, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. And that the sources of depression among prisoners in Okaka correction center, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are based on gender, marital status, socio-economic status and age of the prisoner. Among others it was recommended that Prisoners should be involved in social activities in the prison yield these will help them to reduce depression by helping the depressed prisoner shift his/her attention from the depressive; situation.