Inmates perceptions on sexual behavior in the opposite sex: a qualitative study

Universidade do Minho Escola de Psicologia Patrícia Isabel Rafael Bastos Inmates Perceptions on Sexual Behavior in the Opposite Sex: a qualitative study setembro de 2020 UMinho | 2020 Patrícia Bastos Inmates Perceptions on Sexual Behavior in the Opposite Sex: a qualitative study Patrícia Isabel Rafael Bastos Inmates Perceptions on Sexual Behavior in the Opposite Sex: a qualitative study Dissertação de Mestrado Mestrado Integrado em Psicologia Trabalho efetuado sob a orientação do Professor Doutor Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves Universidade do Minho Escola de Psicologia setembro de 2020 ii DIREITOS DE AUTOR E CONDIÇÕES DE UTILIZAÇÃO DO TRABALHO POR TERCEIROS Este é um trabalho académico que pode ser utilizado por terceiros desde que respeitadas as regras e boas práticas internacionalmente aceites, no que concerne aos direitos de autor e direitos conexos. Assim, o presente trabalho pode ser utilizado nos termos previstos na licença abaixo indicada. Caso o utilizador necessite de permissão para poder fazer um uso do trabalho em condições não previstas no licenciamento indicado, deverá contactar o autor, através do RepositóriUM da Universidade do Minho. Atribuição-NãoComercial-SemDerivações CC BY-NC-ND https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ _________________________________ (Patrícia Isabel Rafael Bastos) Universidade do Minho, 4 de setembro, 2020 iii Acknowledgments To Professor Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves, for his encouragement and motivation. But especially, for his patience during this process. To my colleagues in investigation group, whom I have relied on so many times, and who have always been so supportive. It was a pleasure walking by your side. To Doctor Carlota, for her genuine disposition to help. To my family. To my mother, grandmother and sister, for being there during this journey. Even with all the difficulties. For making all this possible from the beginning. To Renato, for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. For being the calm in the storm. Everything is so much easier with you. To Daniel, Gabriel and Francisco, for being the greatest source of joy and support that anyone could have. I know you were the best present Braga could ever have given me. To Ana, for being the most genuine person I have ever met. Thank you for these two years. To Inês, for having been the constant in the inconstancy. Thank you for staying. To whom, in one way or another, contributed to my growth and my future. iv STATEMENT OF INTEGRITY I hereby declare having conducted this academic work with integrity. I confirm that I have not used plagiarism or any form of undue use of information or falsification of results along the process leading to its elaboration. I further declare that I have fully acknowledged the Code of Ethical Conduct of the University of Minho. __________________________________ (Patrícia Isabel Rafael Bastos) Universidade do Minho, 4 de setembro de 2020 v Perspetivas de Reclusos Sobre o Comportamento Sexual no Sexo Oposto: Um estudo qualitativo Resumo A sexualidade é definida como um dos aspetos centrais do ser humano. Durante o tempo de reclusão, a sexualidade pode ficar comprometida devido à privação de contacto sexual, ou de existência de uma relação romântica no exterior. O presente estudo focou-se em perceber que tipos de comportamentos são adotados de forma a preservar a sexualidade, baseando-se na perspetiva do sexo oposto, entrevistando dez reclusas. Os resultados obtidos, mostraram que é perspetivado o recurso a visitas íntimas, relações homossexuais, masturbação, abstinência, correspondência e saídas jurisdicionais. As implicações práticas do estudo, são também discutidas. Palavras-chave: adaptação; comportamento sexual; prisão; sexualidade; vi Inmates Perceptions on Sexual Behavior in the Opposite Sex: A qualitative study Abstract Sexuality is a central aspect of the human being. During prison time, an individual's sexuality may be compromised due to the deprivation of regular sexual contacts regardless the individual’s sexual orientation or the outside existence of previous romantic relationships. The current research aims primary to understand how male and female prisoners conceive sexual behavior in prison, based on the opposite sex perspective, interviewing ten female inmates. The results showed that the use of intimate visits, homosexual relationships, masturbation, abstinence, correspondence and temporary are expected. The practical implications of the study are also discussed. Keywords: adaptation; prison; sexual behavior; sexuality vii Contents Inmates Perceptions on Sexual Behavior in the Opposite Sex: A qualitative study ................................. 8 Method............................................................................................................................................. 11 Participants .................................................................................................................................. 11 Measures ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Procedure ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Data analysis ................................................................................................................................ 13 Results ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Intimate Visits ............................................................................................................................... 14 Homosexual relationships ............................................................................................................. 15 Correspondence ........................................................................................................................... 16 Masturbation ................................................................................................................................ 17 Abstinence ................................................................................................................................... 17 Temporary leaves ......................................................................................................................... 17 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Conclusion and Future Perspectives .................................................................................................. 21 References ....................................................................................................................................... 23 Legislation ........................................................................................................................................ 26 Appendixes ....................................................................................................................................... 27 INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 14 Results This study attempted to perceive the sexual strategies used by individuals in prison to preserve their sexuality, based on the perspective of the opposite sex. Throughout the interviews, all the strategies stated in the literature review were mentioned. In addition, the participants also referred other behaviors such as the use of correspondence (e.g., letters), and the benefits of furloughs or temporary leaves. Table 2 shows the sexual strategies revealed during the interviews, as well as the respective frequencies of inmates who stated them. Table 2 Analysis of Strategies with Frequencies Strategies N Intimate Visits 6 Homosexual relationships 6 Correspondence 5 Masturbation 2 Abstinence 2 Temporary leaves 1 Intimate Visits A total of six inmates listed this strategy, one of the most mentioned in the interviews. In most cases it was also the first solution identified since four of the participants were beneficiaries of this regime. By contrast, some inmates, such as Sara and Eva, mentioned this strategy due to their lack of knowledge of what a male inmate does if he is not in a relationship outside the prison. Sara: “I think so. Now we also have the intimate visits. (…) It's one of the solutions. They can' t have punishments, because they have more urges than women. And... they have to fight to get intimate visits. And who doesn't have a partner... I don't know. Try to deal with it....” INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 15 Eva: “It's like this... there are intimate visits for those with a wife. For those who don't have a wife, I don't know..." In addition, intimate visits were also considered beneficial in other aspects. For example, Julia saw the intimate visit as beneficial for the inmate during the sentence because it provides him with some emotional comfort. On the other side, Rosa added that the intimate visit is also advantageous for the couple since it provides contact with the person with whom they have a relationship and can avoid parallel relationships inside the prison. Julia: “(…) an intimate visit and that's an incredible strength. (…) I think a person deals better with the situation, feels love, affection...” Rosa: “And that (homosexual relationships) turns out to be a problem for prisons, that's why I say that the intimate visit turns out to be good for a couple. (…) Because it ends up with the inmate... the inmate being calmer, being with the person he wants and... that's it.” Homosexual relationships Concerning homosexual relations, this strategy was also pointed out by six inmates. Women who adhered to this type of behavior report the need for sexual contact and the need for affection. We can corroborate that with citations from inmates Silvia and Rosa. Silvia: “They get involved because they feel the need for having sex, some of them, right? (…) Yes, a man is more... he can' t wait as much as a woman.” Rosa: “There is a great lack of affection. As much as our family gives us affection... there is a lack of affection. And I see for other people who look for anything and everything. (…) This often leads to people in jail having a relationship with people with the same sex. (…) But sometimes people make the wrong choice because they are not sure what they want, due to lack of love and lack of affection.” However, while acknowledging that one inmate may become involved with another due to sexual needs, participants, like Elvira, mentioned other reasons for this behavior, such as the benefits it may bring them. INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 16 Elvira: "Because the man has to... the way I see it, right? And I think it's normal... a woman can do well without a man, right? A woman can live 2, 3, 4, 5 years without having a sexual relationship. But a man is not really like that. (…) There are men who, it's been happening, it has. It's public. There are men who do get involved with homosexuals. And they've never been (homosexuals)! (…) Sometimes just to get some help, to get a cigarette pack, or to get some stuff like that.” Correspondence Although it was not mentioned in the literature, half of the interviewed participants pointed out the correspondence exchange. It was verified through their reports that the exchanged letters have several purposes that correspond to the strategies listed in the literature review. Inmate Rosa said that in her opinion the contents of the letters often give the inmate some pleasure. Rosa: “I mean, there's a lot of correspondence directly with the woman whether she's in jail or not. (…) then they search in the letters for something that... that turns them on, and that' s it." Furthermore, as the inmate Catia says, correspondence was seen as a way of evidencing a relationship, so that the inmate could later benefit from the intimate visits regime. Catia: “(…) For example, they come in and already know inmates who have been there longer, that's what happens in general, and since they have all these contacts, they ask the inmate if he has a friend to communicate with. They are then 6 or 7 months communicating, exchanging letters, starting to make requests for visits between prisons. Then between letters and visits, and they have intimate visits." The letters were also considered important regarding the length of time between intimate visits. In this way, inmate Julia points out some advantages such as strengthening the relationship and increasing the desire to be with the other person. Julia: “ That contact is also very good, staying besides the sexual level. You kind of start dating a little. And that desire for when the intimate visit comes, it seems to be getting stronger.” INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 17 Masturbation Regarding masturbation, the number of inmates who mentioned it was low, only two. Sara and Elvira understood this strategy as a way to deal with sexuality during the time of reclusion. They also indicated some methods for the inmate to achieve sexual satisfaction through this component. Sara: "They do what they have to do... they have the magazines, movies..." "To do something?" "Yes... to masturbate" Elvira: “They live the fantasy. (...) They imagine! And then, even a simple magazine is good for... I don't know, I didn't want to use the term. (…) Maybe a simple drawing makes a man masturbate to the thought of a woman.” Abstinence Despite mentioned by two inmates, the reasons that led them to consider abstinence as a behavior to be adopted do not coincide with those previously mentioned in the literature. Iara considered that this strategy was possible for an inmate that has a relationship on the outside and does not benefit from intimate visits. Susana pointed out the same factor listing possible solutions for restraining any kind of sexual behavior. Iara: "Yes, some men have partners. And they behave completely different, they don't have sexual relations, but they have a completely normal life." Susana: "Here's the thing... I'll tell you what I think. There are men for example... who know how to wait. (…) They try to abstract themselves, for example with games, or gymnasium, or school." Temporary leaves Despite four inmates were benefiting of jurisdictional leaves, only one cited it as a possible method to preserve sexuality. Julia considered this strategy, pointing out that imprisoned men often initiate contact with another person through letters or visits to the prison. Subsequently, he’ll use the jurisdictional leaves to become more intimate with that person. INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 18 Julia: “And he ends up saying, «Look, X wants to visit you». Or «X wants to meet you». And that's it, she ends up coming to a normal visit. (…) they wrote for example for a year, and then, after that year, they use jurisdictional exits so they can visit her." Discussion The current research aimed originally to understand how male inmates and female inmates conceive their sexuality, considering the opposite sex's perspective. Due to unexpected events (Covid-19 pandemic and contingency measures), data were only collected with female prisoners. Along the literature review, some behaviors adopted in the prison environment were described, namely intimate visits (Hensley et al., 2001), homosexual relationships (Herbat et al., 2018), masturbation (Hensley et al., 2001) and abstinence (Lea et al., 2018; McCauley et al., 2019). In the current research, female inmates' perspectives regarding an male inmate's behaviour matched the above mentioned strategies. The results also revealed different reasons that can induce a prisoner to engage in strategies such as homosexual relationships and abstinence. Concerning homosexual relationships, the literature has pointed out as motivational factors the deprivation of heterosexual interactions (Sykes, 1958). However, the findings suggest that this type of behavior (i.e., homosexual relationship) can be used when an inmate needs goods such as cash or cigarettes. This viewpoint is consistent with studies that highlight "barter" as one of the motivations for sexual behavior in prison, as a way of winning certain services (Smith, 2006; Warren, Jackson, Loper, & Burnette, 2010). Actually, Warren and colleagues (2010) in their research showed that 12.8% of inmates were involved in sexual bartering activities. Furthermore, they sought to understand the range of activities of this type, through the perspective of the participants involved and found, despite the subjective nature of the research and the lack of data, that most inmates believed that less than 20% were involved in sex in order to have something in return (Warren et al., 2010). Nevertheless, there is a tenuous line between coercion and consent in this activity, since there may be inmates who offer sex for their benefit, as well as inmates who only accept this sort of relationship because they simply need money (Ristroph, 2006). Thus, in Portuguese prison context, it becomes necessary to develop investigations that address homosexual relationships, along with their motivations, in order to reach a better understanding of this issue and to realize if these perspectives portrayed by the literature are supported. INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 19 Concerning abstinence, the existence of outside relationships and the non-benefit of intimate visits are foreseen as causes for adopting this strategy. Not being involved in sexual activities is advantageous for those who actually have a relationship, providing individuals with benefits from prison policies that facilitate access to romantic relationships, especially for sexual purposes (Carcedo et al., 2019). Nonetheless, according to the deprivation model (Sykes, 1958), these two factors were not considered earlier, as they could also induce self-satisfaction behaviors, not implying necessarily abstinence. On the other hand, one of the most important aspects when referring to this strategy (i.e. abstinence) were the activities mentioned to facilitate this process (e.g. games, physical activity, and gymnasium). According to Carcedo and his colleagues (2019), the inclusion of inmates who do not engage in sexual practices in prison in activities they consider pleasurable might reduce the anguish sensations that can be experienced (Carcedo et al., 2019). However, this topic requires future research, given the importance of understanding the reasons that lead an individual to avoid any sexual practice. The present research also revealed that correspondence and temporary leaves, as reported by the participants, are strategies which can be adopted by male inmates. Under Article 126º of Law Decree 51/11 of April 11th, an inmate has the right to send and receive correspondence, regardless of whether he is illiterate or economically insufficient. The decree also requires that letters have to be read by a staff member before they are sent and received. Besides this requirement and as described by the participants, this method is often used to maintain loving relationships. In a similar way, literature extends the contribution of correspondence to diminish the impact of imprisonment among family members, increasing communication capacity (Kazura, 2018; Kotova, 2019). However, the fact these letters are read by the prison personnel is an obstacle for sharing personal and sensitive issues (Kotova, 2019). Additionally, the results showed that correspondence could be useful to prove the existence of a relationship, allowing an inmate to later enjoy the intimate visits regime. In the above-mentioned decree, it can be observed according to Article 120º, that the inmate must be married, must maintain a relationship analogous to marriage, or must maintain a stable affective relationship. In the latter two cases, regular visits or exchange of correspondence are also required for one year. Therefore, the letters could be used to benefit from intimate visits afterwards. Although some female inmates also mention that the letters' content is used to provide pleasure to male inmates, there is no evidence in the literature supporting this view, thus meaning this topic ought to be considered for future research. Regarding temporary leaves, one of the participants pointed out this aspect as a way to develop intimacy with someone, after previous contact. In fact, according to Article 76º of Law Decree 115/09 of October 12th, this measure intends to maintain and promote family bonds and prepare for freedom. This INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 20 finding also corroborates a literature review carried by Cheliotis (2009), where evidences suggested that temporary leaves reinforce family morale, promote feelings of well-being for husbands and their wives, and reaffirm marital and family commitments as well as emotional bonds. Moreover, the same study supports some evidence regarding prioritizing contact with family and partners, and solving relational crises (Cheliotis, 2009). Currently, there are no studies proving the effectiveness of temporary leaves in maintaining sexuality. Notwithstanding, given the aforementioned reasons, it seems plausible to adopt the perspective presented by the inmate, as truthful. The results also found differences concerning the number of female inmates who listed each strategy. The most frequently mentioned (n=6) were intimate visits, and homosexual relationships. A possible explanation for the greater frequency of response to intimate visits could be the fact that four of the participants were benefiting from that regime, or they had knowledge about their existence. In turn, since there are homosexual relationships in women's prisons (Castro et al., 2017), participants may have expanded their knowledge to male prisons. It was also observed that the second most reported strategy was the change of correspondence. Given this form of contact is accessible to the whole prison population, it is possible that this is the explanation that motivated half of the participants to refer this strategy. Both abstinence and masturbation were mentioned twice. Regarding masturbation, it is recognized that in male prisons, this is a frequently used strategy (Hensley et al., 2001; Marcum & Castle, 2014), so the fact that only two female inmates mentioned it, may be due to their lack of knowledge or for being reluctant to approach the topic. As for abstinence, it was difficult to obtain an explanation for the frequency of participants who mentioned it but the fact that only two inmates referred to it could be the result of previous experiences they supported. Similarly, they may also have had partners who engaged in that strategy due to knowing they would be with their love ones sooner. Lastly, only one inmate has speculated that temporary leaves are used to preserve sexuality, although four participants are currently benefiting from this regime. This outcome possibly arises from the practices that inmates may have had on their temporary release. It should be emphasized that although some strategies are more frequently cited than others, this does not imply they occur more frequently in male prisons. In general, the topic of sexuality was approached with an emotional and intimate component, being this one of the characteristics associated with female imprisonment (Castro et al., 2017). Besides, some discomfort was also felt towards the topic being addressed relative to the opposite sex. Frequently, before enumerating a strategy, some women prisoners claimed to be unaware of the topic. It is hypothesized that in a study in which the purpose was to understand the strategies adopted by women in prison, the female inmates would be more participative and would have a better knowledge of the INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 21 subject (Castro et al., 2017), due to being inserted in the environment they would have to describe. Equally, it was observed that in their perspective, the participants did not include simultaneous behaviors. For instance, if they considered that a male inmate had a relationship outside he would have intimate visits or would not engage in any other sexual behavior. However, since intimate visits are only permitted once a month, it is plausible that autoerotic behaviors may exist simultaneously. Conclusion and Future Perspectives The present research showed that female inmates prospect six behaviors to preserve male inmate's sexuality, namely intimate visits, homosexual relationships, masturbation, abstinence, correspondence and temporary leaves. Nevertheless, future research to corroborate the use of these strategies in male prisons is needed, since in this study were collected the opinions of female inmates and not the reports of men in reclusion. Moreover, it is important to understand the motivations to adopt these behaviors and also the advantages of each one in Portugal correctional system. In addition, practical components were presented such as increasing the perception of sexual behaviors adopted in Portuguese prisons and attempting to develop solutions in prison facilities for intimate contacts. As some authors suggest, sexual activity in prison is usually sanctioned and stigmatized (Moazen et al., 2018; Wilkinson, 2003), as it is often difficult to establish the difference between consensual and coercive activity (Eigenberg, 2000). Therefore, and assuming the existence of sexual activity in Portuguese prisons, similarly to other prison systems (Baltieri, 2014; Rowell-Cunsolo, Szeto, Sampong, & Larson, 2016), and as suggested in the present investigation, it is necessary to provide those working in prison with education in this area in order to demystify and eliminate the existing taboo. Likewise, it is necessary to include intervention programs that allow guards to differentiate coercive and consensual activity. On the other hand, it is important to consider those individuals who abstain themselves from sexual activity. In this case, it would be relevant to adopt new policies and new interventions, such as the insertion of the inmate in practical activities (e.g., school, gymnasium). Finally, the absence of privacy for sexual activity, whether or not with another individual, is an important factor regarding sexuality in prison. However, given the overcrowding, it is an issue that will take longer to resolve. The present research presents some limitations. First, due to the current circumstances, it was not possible to obtain the male prison data. As a result, it was impossible to compare findings, as well as to understand what kind of sexual behaviors would be adopted by inmates. In addition, the strategies INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 22 mentioned may not correspond to the male prison reality. Finally, even if saturation occurred, it would be relevant to discuss these issues with a larger group of participants. In conclusion, this study appears to be innovative presenting the feminine perspectives in relation to the sexual behavior of inmates. In this way, it is believed that it is possible to hypothesize male prisoners' sexual activity. At the same time, it demonstrates the need to further knowledge about sexuality in prisons. INMATES PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 23 References Baltieri, D. A. (2014). Psychosocial pathways to sexual dysfunction among female inmates. Archives of Sexual Behavior , 43(6), 1105–1114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-013-0252-4 Blackburn, A. G., Fowler, S. K., Mullings, J. L., & Marquart, J. W. (2011). Too close for comfort: Exploring gender differences in inmate attitudes toward homosexuality in prison. American Journal of Criminal Justice , 36 (1), 58–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-010-9099-6 Caravaca-Sánchez, F., & Wolff, N. (2016). Prevalence and predictors of sexual victimization among incarcerated men and women in spanish prisons. 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