Abstract
M.Cur. (Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing)
The objective of this research is to explore and describe how the white-collar criminal
experiences being admitted to prison. In a country like South Africa, where the crime rate
is of the highest in the world and where a new democratic era has also begun where the
prisoner is entitled to more humane treatment, the Department of Correctional Service faces
considerable criticism from time to time, whilst being exposed to increasing demands.
The white-collar criminal experiences problems integrating successfully in the prison
community, with the result that such integration and the accompanying deprivation give rise
to mental health problems.
A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual research study has been undertaken to
describe how. the white-collar criminal experiences being admitted to prison. Five whitecollar
criminals, who. met all the set criteria, were included in the study by means of
purposive convenience sampling. .
In-depth exploration into the experience of the white-collar criminal was done by utilising
the phenomenological method of interviewing for the collection of data. The researcher put
a central question to the respondents, viz.: "How do you experience your admission to
prison?"
Data were analysed by means of descriptive analysis as described by Tesch. Anindependent
coder was used to code and analyse the data. Consensus discussions between the researcher
and the coder were held on the results.
Obstacles and facilitative aspects were identified, which influence the white-collar criminal's ability to integrate in the prison community as part of the facilitation of the promotion,
maintenance and restoration of mental health as an integral part of health...