Research Article

Behind Bars: Unveiling the Narratives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) 

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Psych Educ Multidisc J, 2025, 38 (10), 1115-1129, DOI: https://doi.org/10.70838/pemj.381003, ISSN 2822-4353
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Abstract

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) face profound emotional, social, and psychological challenges while imprisoned— realities often hidden behind prison walls. In the context of Isulan District Jail, Sultan Kudarat, exploring the narratives of PDLs is essential to unveiling the deeper truths of imprisonment and identifying ways to improve rehabilitation programs tailored to their genuine needs. This qualitative research study explored the personal narratives of PDLs to better understand their experiences while detained. Anchored in a phenomenological research design, the study sought to capture the essence of imprisonment from the perspective of those who live it. Seven (7) participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring that rich, relevant data were gathered from those with direct, meaningful experiences. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and the responses were analyzed using Collaizi (1978) method through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed four major themes: (1) Engaging in Productive Activities, (2) Experiencing Difficulties, (3) Undergoing Self-Reflection and Self-Renewal, and (4) Taking Advantage opportunities. While participants shared feelings of sadness, regret, and loneliness, especially due to separation from family— they also expressed hope and determination. Many engaged in livelihood programs, spiritual growth activities, and educational enhancement or physical routines activities that helped them transform their mindset and behavior inside the jail. The study concludes that rehabilitation programs must be enhanced with tailored approaches that promote skills development, emotional support, and meaningful engagement. These enhancements are vital in preparing PDLs for reintegration, fostering dignity, purpose, and resilience upon release.

Keywords lived experiences phenomenological study Persons Deprived of Liberty behinds bars rehabilitation program
Authors 2

The team behind this paper

2 authors, 2 institutions.

This paper Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology Inc — Philippines Southern Mindanao Insti… 1 author Holy Trinity College of General Santos City — Philippines Holy Trinity College of… 1 author Ricklyn John Martinez — corresponding author RM Ricklyn John Martinez ✉ Roger Buan RB Roger Buan

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1,104 reads over 18 months.

May 2025 October 2026

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This article is token #5394 of SciMatic Articles (ERC-1155): 1,000,000 tokens, minted once, never more. The chain also stores a fingerprint (SHA-256) of the article's record, so anyone can check that it has not been altered.

HolderWalletTokens
SciMatic 0xc35709…277732 100,000 (10%)
Ricklyn John Martinez 0x5bFe7b…A4237D 450,000 (45%)
Roger Buan 0x182471…c6D0E7 450,000 (45%)
Content hash 0xf61c8ac28055b36993459d34083922b06c262f284a5d2fb88a9b18f0efaee54b

Bibliographic Information

Ricklyn John Martinez, Roger Buan, (2025). Behind Bars: Unveiling the Narratives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) , Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 38(10): 1115-1129
Bibtex Citation
@article{ricklyn_john_martinez2025pemj,
author = {Ricklyn John Martinez and Roger Buan},
title = {Behind Bars: Unveiling the Narratives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)},
journal = {Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal},
year = {2025},
volume = {38},
number = {10},
pages = {1115-1129},
doi = {10.70838/pemj.381003},
url = {https://scimatic.org/show_manuscript/5394}
}
APA Citation
Martinez, R.J., Buan, R., (2025). Behind Bars: Unveiling the Narratives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) . Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 38(10), 1115-1129. https://doi.org/10.70838/pemj.381003

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