Abstract:

The aim of this study is to identify the psychological perception levels of the female inmates in Antalya Type-L Closed Penitentiary Institution and then to determine the effect of exercise on such perceptions. This is an experimental study with weak experimental design. Study sample consists of a total of 121 female prisoners; 32 in the experimental group, 43 in control group 1 and 46 in the control group 2. The data collection tools used in this study are Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for determining the physical activity levels of the individuals, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait (STAI) Anxiety Inventory for identifying their psychological perceptions. T-Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance and LSD analysis -a Post-Hoc test- were used for data analysis. Consequently, the psychological perception levels of the female inmates before and after exercise were examined as per the groups they participated and the results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference among the depression, anxiety and psychological well-being levels of those inmates, who participated in the exercises. However, there was a significant increase on the depression levels in the control groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, it can be said that exercise plays an important role in protecting the psychological perceptions of the incarcerated individuals.

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