City Research Online

Abstract

Despite being overrepresented at every stage of the criminal justice system (CJS), there is an evidenced gap in understanding the imprisoned experiences of Black women in the UK, with their voices noticeably absent in research. Faced with multitudes of racial and gendered inequalities unique to them – also known as misogynoir – Black women hold a very disadvantaged position within prisons. This is evidenced in that despite their reported discriminative experiences with psychological impacts, they are less likely to seek help due to inequalities in their treatment within the system. Adopting a Black feminist lens, this study sought to understand how Black women manage emotional distress in prisons in the UK through the semi-structured interviews with seven women, incorporating object elicitation. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and four group experiential themes were identified; ‘Prison wasn’t a bed of roses’, ‘The push and the pull’, ‘Finding my coping channels: Getting through no matter what’, ‘Our glimmers of hope’. These findings revealed their complex and nuanced experiences of managing emotional distress, underpinned by a multitude of oppressive experiences caused by the prison system. Noticeably, they navigated this process alone, demonstrating self-reliance. Their narratives also revealed the importance of experienced collectiveness with other Black women in prisons demonstrating real value in mediating their isolation and safeguarding their identity. These were noted as integral in protecting their wellbeing, as their support made it possible for them to get through their sentence, and out of the system. Clinical implications, including recommendations for therapeutic practice, policy and training, and wider implications are discussed. Changes within prisons, and the wider CJS are proposed to be considered in order to safeguard the wellbeing of Black women.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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