Personality, self-efficacy and coping in Romanian prison inmates: a moderated mediation model.

Introduction: This study investigates personality traits, coping mechanisms, and the mediating function of self-efficacy in the relationship between these factors in individuals incarcerated for criminal offenses. Methods: The Freiburg Personality Inventory, COPE Inventory, and Self-Efficacy Scale were used to assess the responses of 857 inmates. The moderating influence of age, sex, and number of years of incarceration was examined using a mediation model. Results: The participants reported high scores on the aggressiveness, strain, somatic complaints, health concern, and emotionality scales (Cronbach α > 0.7; their composite score p < 0.001). Self-efficacy and the negative indirect effects of personality on coping mechanisms (p < 0.05) highlighted the indirect negative effects of mediation on the personality-coping relationship. Age reduced self-efficacy and additional coping mechanisms, and a high emotionality score negatively impacted self-efficacy (p < 0.001). When the incarceration duration was less than five years and the personality score increased, coping mechanisms were more prominent. Discussion: Owing to their health concerns, feelings of being overworked, psycho-vegetative lability, and resistance to the desire to express themselves verbally and physically, detainees require evaluation and intervention. When individuals gain confidence in their own skills to overcome the period of detention and rectify themselves behaviorally, emotional lability is reduced and a suitable context for educational and psychotherapy intervention is created. The distinctiveness of personality, coping strategies, self-efficacy, sex, age, and years of incarceration, should all be considered in correctional programs and activities.