INTRODUCTION

Incarcerated individuals in the Philippines faced different kinds of challenges inside the

prison, such as difficulties blending with other inmates and guards, health problems, being away

from their loved ones for a long time, and not being able to see the face of society and reality

itself. After spending time in prison, the things that they left behind since they were incarcerated

could possibly change—treatment by their loved ones, judgment by society, including their past

workplace, relationship with friends, and their psychological well-being. Some formerly

incarcerated individuals might experience ostracism from the society and have a hard time

transitioning back to their life due to their former record, experience, and differences. While

some are fortunate to be on the other side of the spectrum of being in a welcoming part of

society, smooth sailing reintegration back in their old life, in spite of staining their name.

Experiencing difficulties keeping intact relationships for a long period of time can result

in hostile and unhealthy relationships. To sustain their basic needs and their loved ones, formerly

incarcerated individuals must look for a job that could support them. Due to societal difficulties,

they could not look for a job that would accept them because criminal record is taken into

consideration. Lastly, their experiences inside the prison, psychological well-being is affected.

That is why strong support services are highly important for them. All in all, these situations may

significantly contribute to their present condition.

The focus of this study is the lived experiences of those who have served time in prison,

which focus on the challenges they faced during reintegration, their current state post

reintegration, and future plans. Formerly incarcerated individuals may experience difficulties and

discrepancies after being released, and adjusting to this process can be rather daunting for them.
Previous research, including Jackson (2020), demonstrates that reconnecting with family is one

of the difficulties faced by prisoners upon their release. The separation caused by incarceration is

difficult for families, but the process of reuniting with family can be as challenging. Another,

formerly individuals insisted on showing off themselves to other people, felt ashamed, and felt

anxious when applying to jobs due to the stigmatization, judgment, and labeling in society,

which leads to negative social relationships (Palgan & Apolinario, 2022).

Formerly incarcerated individuals faced a lot of difficulties in their personal, familial, and

social relationships during their reintegration. The term “incarceration” means a systematic

injustice that involves removing individuals from their homes and holding them in jails or prison

in which families and communities are negatively impacted by it (Turney et al., 2023).

Individuals that served lengthy prison sentences may experience social and environmental

changes. According to Folk et al. (2019), those who are detained are mostly cut off from their

families and severely restricted to the outside world, which can have an impact on their

relationship as a whole.

Several studies showed that the relationship of formerly incarcerated individuals to their

families has changed since the day they entered prison, but before getting their freedom, they

experienced ambivalent emotions. According to Bersamina and Quero (2023), the participants

are all excited to see their families, but this excitement dissipates because of the thought of how

others will react towards them and what awaits them when they gain their freedom. In terms of

familial ties, the most common issue that formerly incarcerated individuals faced was their

financial obligations to their families. In addition, providing for their family was their top

priority when they left the prison, disregarding their own welfare, because they believe that they
spent most of their time in prison away from their family, and now that they are outside the

prison, it's their time to provide.

One of the difficulties that individuals faced was finding stable housing and ensuring

personal safety. Getting out of prison is a new feeling for them. That's why having someone who

can help them stay physically and mentally safe is very important to avoid their negative

thoughts, such as hurting themselves and committing the same mistakes. They also need

assistance in rebuilding their self-worth to be able to reintegrate successfully. Multiple barriers to

reintegrating successfully are the reasons why formerly incarcerated individuals attain low self-

esteem (Bidola et al., 2024).

Stigmatization is also one of the major problems faced by formerly incarcerated

individuals. Labeling, judgment, and prejudice are significant barriers that affect their ability to

successfully reintegrate and form a positive relationship. Formerly incarcerated individuals faced

stigmatization, which caused them to experience rejection from their desired job. Also, even if

they are already employed, they experienced bullying from their co-workers, which is the main

reason why they are financially unstable and cannot meet the basic needs of their family. Support

services are essential tools to overcome the challenges of life and achieve successful

reintegration after incarceration.

Government intervention programs, which include non-formal education, high school

diplomas, and theology, can have a positive outcome. Religious and pastoral education can also

help formerly incarcerated individuals attain new skills and perspectives. Since most formerly

incarcerated individuals find solace and transformation through their faith and spiritual beliefs,

religious education plays a significant role in their successful reintegration into society and their
families. A supportive environment can help them overcome their challenges during

reintegration and achieve their full potential (Bidola et al., 2024).

Recent studies revealed a predominant emphasis on international research and articles

about the experiences of reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Yet there seems to be

a lack of exploration about the subject matter to local studies in comparison. According to

Fréchette et al. (2020), local studies are essential for capturing the unique sociocultural and

institutional factors that may influence the process of family reintegration for formerly

incarcerated individuals within a specific community or region. This observation suggests a

potential gap in study interest and literature that warrants further investigation to ensure a

comprehensive understanding of the subject matter across various contexts. Different studies

from western countries already tackled this context and implementing may miss or undervalue

cultural characteristics and customs unique to the Philippines. Cultural factors like family

relationships, societal influences, personal and psychological well-being, coping strategies, and

future planning can have a substantial impact on the reintegration process. More research is

needed to determine how cultural sensitivity might be incorporated into reintegration programs

to improve their relevance and efficacy in the Philippine context.

Furthermore, in addressing the gap, there’s a lack of in-depth exploration into the lived

experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals after they experience reintegration. Addressing

this gap is crucial for a more comprehensive examination of the lived experiences of them

reintegrating back to their normal life, while reintegration programs and efforts exist, there has

been little in-depth research to assess their success and impact on the lives of former prisoners.

This allows them to target interventions and support systems that cater to the unique

circumstances of individuals with a history of offenses.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences of

formerly incarcerated individuals. Specifically, this study attempts to investigate the challenges

faced by formerly incarcerated individuals during re-integration. It also aims to identify coping

strategies or mechanisms used by formerly incarcerated individuals, their current state after re-

integration, and their plans about their future.

Literature Review

Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

In every crime that is committed, there are certain cases that will serve as a consequence

in line with the severity of the crime. According to Baldonado et al. (2022), in the Philippines,

the average number of years that formerly incarcerated individuals spent in prison is divided into

three parts. First, 79.29% of their respondents spent 1-2 years in prison. Second, 19.29% of their

respondents spent 3–5 years in prison. Lastly, the other 1.43% spend the longer period in prison,

which is 6–10 years. Moreover, the majority of the respondents spent 1-2 years in prison.

Formerly incarcerated individuals had various experiences in prison, both positive and

negative, which significantly shape their lives after their imprisonment. According to Palgan and

Apolinario (2022), formerly incarcerated individuals experienced chaos and difficulties inside

the prison, which caused them to react passively to certain things. They passively approach the

little positive things that come into their lives, which plays a big role in attaining their
contentment. Also, since they are formerly incarcerated, they had a hard time applying for a job;

that's why they are passive on job opportunities that have been offered to them.

They also experienced a lack of trust in everyone, including themselves, about their

protection. This experience is a key factor on why they strengthen their faith in God. They

learned how to seek guidance and protection by "praying to God '' because they had no one to

talk to inside the prison, and they brought this aspect up after their release. Some of them are not

used to praying, but after their imprisonment, they became prayerful not just about their release

but also about the welfare of their entire family (Bersamina & Quero, 2023).

Moreover, because of different experiences inside the prison that left a life lesson for the

formerly incarcerated individuals, they developed an internal motivation for a renewed life.

Formerly incarcerated individuals would rather live with difficulties outside the prison than with

difficulties inside the prison (Platt et al., 2022).

Social Integration

Integration to society. A recent report highlights the transition from prison to

community has a long history, the unprecedented scale of this phenomenon necessitates a deeper

examination. Exploration on the impact of evolving republic acts and laws, changing practices,

and the effect on disadvantaged communities and societies. Today's formerly incarcerated

individuals face significant challenges. They may lack the necessary skills and support systems

to successfully reintegrate. Their absence strained their families and communities, further

complicating the reintegration process.

incarceration, emphasized the devastating impact of mass incarceration on vulnerable

communities. It paints a picture of the high incarceration rates prevalent in poor, minority

neighborhoods. These rates contribute to the fracturing of families, the weakening of support

networks, and the toxicity of the economic and social environment of these communities.

Children, in particular, are placed at heightened risk due to the effects of parental

incarceration. It argues for a shift away from a purely incarceration-based approach to crime.

Instead, it advocates for "community justice," a system that prioritizes rehabilitation and focuses

on restoring, rather than destroying, communities. Recognizing the human cost of mass

incarceration is crucial. We must find solutions that promote public safety while simultaneously

offering a brighter future for individuals and their communities (Western, 2006).

Social Relationships. Leaving prison and rejoining society is like stepping into a world

that has moved on without you. For former inmates, the transition is far from smooth. One of the

biggest realizations is seeing how much has changed during the time behind bars. Technology,

job markets, and societal norms have evolved. The lack of support from officers and other

reentry services, despite expectations of assistance in reintegrating into society, many former

inmates find themselves grappling with the complexities of life on the outside with little to no

guidance. While parole officers may offer professionalism in their interactions, the support

needed to overcome the challenges of reentry often falls short. This disconnects between

expectation and reality can leave ex-offenders feeling disillusioned and abandoned, exacerbating

their struggles to rebuild their lives and establish a sense of stability and belonging in their

communities (Rhodes, 2021).

them to deal with people that have preconceived notions about the crimes that they did from the

past. After being released from prison, negative criticism from their community is what awaits

them (Moore et al., 2023).

For instance, in the study of Overton et al. (2022) in regards to students’ perception about

their classmates and schoolmates who were incarcerated shows a discrimination. According to

them, they tend to distance themselves from such students that have a history of being

incarcerated and that they rated them as “less warm” and “less moral.” Same goes with the study

of Hamovich et al. (2023) shows a low level of willingness among landlords to rent for those

individuals who were formerly incarcerated. In short, upon reentry such individuals have

experienced housing discrimination. Furthermore, former inmates who belong in the working

class or marginalized groups are more prone to be stigmatized (Quinn-Hogan, 2021).

Because of the society’s backlash to former inmates upon their reintegration in the

society, they have a higher chance of being at risk again for doing the same crime because of

stigma (Phillips et al., 2023). On the other hand, most former inmates can’t help but to do crimes

again right after reintegration. They believed that they are not being accepted and welcomed in

the society and that they have no other purpose to continue or change their lives because of the

stigma and discrimination they received (Besin-Mengla, 2020).

Workplace Challenges and Opportunities. Returning to neighborhoods plagued by

high rates of unemployment and poverty only compounds the challenge, as opportunities for

stable employment become increasingly scarce. Former inmates may have work opportunities

right after regaining their freedom to start a new life, but the stain of their criminal records
remain a barrier for them. Even though some of them were accredited for participating in pre-

employment programming, they still receive low income in comparison to workers that do not

have a criminal record history. (Sheppard & Ricciardelli, 2020). They grab any job opportunities

they can get despite a low wage and low satisfactory environment just to be in a stable state of

being employed (Lindsay, 2022).

Support Services. Lack of services and programs for individuals who served time in

prison is still a concern in society. Most programs offered for reentry individuals are mostly self-

focused. Raising awareness for people in the community and their family should also be

implemented for them to be educated about the post release of former inmates. This includes

programs for people in the community and especially for the family of these individuals

(Rankins III, 2022).

Because some instances occur among the social relationships of former incarcerated

individuals to produce a gap and even discrimination with their relationship to family, friends

and the neighborhoods. That is why educating them about such matters regarding their returning

family relative or member could strengthen their bond and maintain their relationship that they

had. This would also allow formerly imprisoned people to successfully reintegrate with their

family and into the society (Muentner, 2020; Leonor, 2023; Prisoners’ Families Helpline, 2020).

According to Bersamina and Quero (2023), the former inmates received no little support

in coming back with their family, friends and in the society as a whole. Disapproval and neglect

is what they experienced from them. Despite this, their faith in God has remained strong and that

their insight from such challenges would be an inspiration to better their lives for their family—

in regaining their trust and connection. Moreover, involving the family members during the
process of reintegration while they were still in prison is found to be vitally important. This can

initially address the approval or disapproval of reincarnated individuals’ family upon their

reintegration with them (Rankins, 2022).

Family Reconnection

In the study conducted by Folk et al. (2019), strong familial ties are beneficial for

formerly incarcerated individuals during their incarceration because this leads to positive post-

release mental health, wherein the higher the connectedness they have with their family during

pre-release, the lower the possibility that the formerly incarcerated individuals will experience

mental health problems.

In addition, experiences of the formerly incarcerated individuals inside the prison have

taught them the value of their family and the importance of respecting their opinions. According

to Agtong et al. (2023), in the Philippines, families still accept their loved ones even after

imprisonment, regardless of the crime that they committed, because they have strong family ties

and support. In line with this, having strong family ties and support is one of the most significant

elements that will help formerly incarcerated individuals avoid committing crimes again.

Challenges in Family Dynamics. The challenges and gap of feelings among ex-

offenders and their families contributed to the decision-making of ex-offenders to come back to

their families, or worse, extend or return themselves to jail (Prisoners’ Families Helpline, 2023).

This notion is in line with the study conducted by Goggin and Gendreau (2006), as cited in

Garofalo (2020), which found that a large number of convicts return to jail because they are

unprepared to face the difficult challenges that are present within families, such as familial

disputes and misunderstandings. The study also reveals that because of psychopathology, drug
abuse and unlawful conduct exist in ex-offenders' families, which makes them hesitant to come

back. Thus, proper intervention among couples and families of incarcerated individuals is

necessary to address this, such as through counseling.

For instance, the impact of parental incarceration on children and families has revealed

significant stressors associated with separation. It is evident that navigating relationships with

children while being formerly incarcerated represents a substantial source of acute and long-term

stress for parents. This separation poses challenges not only for the incarcerated individuals

themselves but also for their children and family members left behind (Dargis & Mitchell-

Somoza, 2021).

In addition to their emotional ability to relate to the Family System theory by Brown

(2012), family members of former offenders are experiencing illness, shame, and other negative

emotions. Still, they were able to overcome them all. There are also positive emotions they share,

such as supporting and understanding the people around them Villarmia et al. (2021).

During and After Conviction. Close family connections are prevalent in Filipino culture

and play a crucial role in prisoners' lives, from their time behind bars to their reintegration into

society. The relationship between ex-convicts and their families greatly impacts their ability to

successfully reintegrate. However, the experience of imprisonment creates a rift in these

relationships, leading to a gap between ex-offenders and their families and relatives (Vivares,

2023).

According to Sundaresh (2021), the impact of imprisonment also extends to their family

members such as those who have spouses, children, parents and even grandparents. Furthermore,

returning individuals had exceptional challenges that resulted from them and their family being
unprepared for their needs and demands. The changes experienced by the family members of the

formerly incarcerated individuals attempted to adapt to their return.

In the study of Vivares (2022), it was revealed that formerly incarcerated individuals had

a rough time reintegrating with their families, especially their children. After their time in prison,

the treatment of their children changed by being distant to them, treating them like strangers, and

being avoidant—some would go away or avoid the formerly incarcerated individuals when they

saw them approaching. It is also revealed that treatment after imprisonment is unpredictable

because some families would refuse to accept the formerly incarcerated individuals, while others

would gladly accept them despite the crimes that they committed.

After regaining their freedom from incarceration, challenges are waiting for them outside

the prison. Their most concern about this is what would be the treatment that they are going to

receive from their family. Family support can be a determiner for a life change among the

returning individuals. In the study conducted by Liu and Visher (2021), some former inmates

who received approval from their family right after their return had made a significant change

towards their life. On the other hand, those who were disapproved of by their family had

continued to do crimes such as drug usage after their return.

Psychological Well-being

It has been identified that there is an existing set of mental health problems due to the

violence exposure of formerly incarcerated individuals. This leads to the development of adverse

mental health symptoms. It was also revealed that formerly incarcerated individuals with

histories of interpersonal violence have higher levels of psychological distress, and their suicidal

ideation is increasing. In line with this, mental health services and treatment are highly needed
because of the multiple experiences happened when they were inside the prison (Newman et al.,

2020).

In addition, mental health care services are not properly addressed and discussed during

their imprisonment; that's why they don't know much about them—they don't know where and to

whom they must seek help (Nishar et al., 2023).

Effects from Social Reintegration. The former inmates feel ashamed of their

community for the crimes they have done in the past. Since their time in prison upon

reintegration, the offenders tend to relive the moments of their crime. This can make them feel

guilty and remorseful. Constantly having these thoughts may result in severe depression (Gales

et al., 2023).

Social support was seen to be of significant importance for effective cohabitation and

interaction in society for formerly incarcerated individuals in regaining their freedom. However,

they faced barriers to employment, housing, education, and social relationships due to their

criminal record. Such factors led to feelings of shame, stigma, and social isolation, which in turn

significantly impacted their mental health (Alisha, 2023).

Effects from Familial Reconnection. One of the biggest stressors to the mental well-

being of formerly incarcerated individuals and their family is debts. Many of which are suffering

from the burden of debt from their daily expenses while inside the prison up to their release just

to survive. The debts of former inmates are mostly related to legal financial obligations (LFOs)

and to support their children and family in everyday survival (Harper et al., 2020).
 Support from family and friends are significant factors for formerly incarcerated

individuals to regain their life. Instead, these individuals have experienced otherwise that

resulted in associated anxiety disorder or distress and other mental illnesses. There was also a

high rate of recidivism (Cunha et al. 2023).

Current State and Future Plans

Another major theme is the aftermath of the reintegration process. Beyond the

experiences and coping strategies, the current circumstances of formerly incarcerated individuals

must come with it. According to Antoniou et al. (2019) the experiences of individuals offer

glimmers of hope. Many formerly incarcerated individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience in

overcoming these challenges. Personal narratives give raw and real stories straight from the

source, showcasing the determination to create a positive life despite the odds and experiences

after coming out of prison. Furthermore, it explores the benefits of educational programs

designed specifically for formerly incarcerated people, highlighting a path towards a brighter

future. According to Wallace et al. (2020) many Incarcerated individuals seek to provide

themselves higher education after re-integration in order to resist and diminish their record of

incarceration. The concept of desistance, the process of permanently ceasing criminal activity,

emerges as a crucial factor in successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals,

offering valuable insights into the factors that contribute to positive change.

Even though it's tough for people who've been in prison to get back on their feet, many of

them have big dreams for the future. These dreams can be about all sorts of things, like getting a

good job, going to school, fixing things with their family, or helping out in their community. For

some folks, finding a steady job and making ends meet is the most important thing. To make
their dreams come true, people who've been in prison often come up with plans and strategies.

This might involve setting goals they can actually achieve, especially after release. Many people

sign up for programs that teach them job skills or help them get into school. There are also

programs specifically designed to help people after prison by finding them jobs, a place to live,

and connecting them with social services. Most importantly, staying positive and believing in a

better future helps people stay motivated and keeps them going even when things are hard

(Towne et al., 2022).

Another notable situation is the gap in resources. According to Sheppard (2024) in most

cases, the individuals after integration struggles to keep their mental and physical health good.

Providing former inmates with guidelines, referrals, and post-prison support is critical to

protecting their mental health after the process. the importance of comprehensive reintegration

support services and policies to address these challenges and facilitate successful community

reintegration must be highlighted. Overall, they underscore the overall experiences of the

reintegration process and the need for targeted programs to support the well-being and success of

formerly incarcerated individuals’ post-release. To highlight this section, gaps are visible to the

variables which are current state and future plans which means that it is in need of further

exploration specially in terms of personal experiences and narratives from the incarcerated

individuals themselves.

Once you were released in jail, the path back after prison is a tough one. People who've

been incarcerated face a complex of problems. Prison itself can be chaotic and difficult, but it

can also lead to a desire to change. Once they're released, society can be harsh, making it hard to

find a job, a place to live, or reconnect with loved ones. Family plays a big part in this

reconnection too. Strong family ties can help keep people from going back to prison, but strained
relationships can make things even harder for everyone. All this stress can take a toll on mental

health as well. It also tackles the well being and future plans of each individuals who went

through integration.

Many people who've been incarcerated are determined to build a better future for

themselves. They dream of getting an education, finding a job, fixing things with their family,

and giving back to their community. To make these dreams a reality, they might seek out help,

set achievable goals, and stay positive. Special programs can also provide them with the tools

they need to succeed and avoid going back to prison. Unfortunately, there aren't always enough

resources or support available.

More needs to be done to help formerly incarcerated individuals on their journey. In the

end, the road back from prison is long and challenging, but it's also paved with hope and

resilience. To help them succeed, identifying variables that affect them, and hand-on-on0hand

interviews from direct experiences of each formerly incarcerated individual may create

welcoming environments, and offer various programs to support them. This way, their life can be

highlighted for further interventions and be known for many.

ADD LIT REV SYNTHESIS

Theoretical Framework

Sociocultural Theory

This approach offers the precise variables needed to examine and limit the scope of the

relevant data by interpreting the data that will be obtained. The sociocultural theory of Lev

Vygotsky (1978) aims to explain the relationship between individual mental functioning and the
sociocultural perspective emphasizes the cultural, institutional, and historical background on the

functions that participation in social interactions and culturally organized activities play

influence the psychological development. The sociocultural approach emphasizes the importance

of adults in children's cognitive development through guided participation that promotes

development. That is, the distance between what someone can do alone versus what they can do

with advice and aid from an individual.

This theory provides a deeper scope on the understanding of how formerly incarcerated

people renewed their life back in the society. According to Rahmatirad (2020), his socio-cultural

approach to educational theory and technology frameworks enables teachers and students to

achieve tailored learning objectives. Personalization should consider students' learning needs,

content, and delivery methods. This strategy encourages a variety of learning techniques and

disciplines, offering greater flexibility. Giving learners the ability to track their own development

fosters a strong desire to study. This theory can lead to the connection on what is the drawback

or positive outcomes of former incarcerated people.

Alongside with constructivism, as a learning theory, asserts that knowledge is best

acquired through active engagement and reflection, with learners constructing their

understanding based on their experiences, personal perspectives, and cultural contexts. It

emphasizes the role of the individual's subjective interpretation in the learning process, with two

main branches: radical (or cognitive) constructivism and social constructivism (Brau, 2022).

Given the fact that former incarcerated individuals served prison time and experienced a

different life inside the prison and the family the former prisoners had another experience outside

the prison without their love one’s, through their perception and interpretation between two

different experiences, can support the exploration on their experience in and outside the prison.
This is a sociological method to understanding international relations. It emphasized the

significance of ideas and social interaction in understanding how things are taken for granted and

how change is possible (Weiss & Wilkinson, 2023).

These two theoretical underpinnings will emphasize on how formerly incarcerated people

acquire and used their knowledge on the time that they are in prison. Thus, these theories will

give the researchers a better understanding on the participants life and experience inside and

outside the correctional facility as well as to support theoretical interpretations on understanding

the meanings regarding imprisonment.

Research Questions

This phenomenological research seeks to determine the lived experiences of formerly

incarcerated individuals and pursues to determine the following phenomenon:

1. What are the resources that formerly incarcerated individuals during their process

of reintegration into society?

2. What coping strategies or mechanisms do formerly incarcerated individuals

employ to facilitate their reintegration?

3. How do formerly incarcerated individuals perceive their lives post-reintegration?

4. What are the future aspirations and plans of formerly incarcerated individuals

following their reintegration?

Research Design

This study employs a qualitative research approach, aiming to delve deeply into the lived

experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals after prison. As Neubauer et al. (2019)

articulate, qualitative research is comparable to an in-depth exploration of real-world issues. It

focuses on examining individuals' actual experiences, opinions, and concepts. Instead of relying

on numerical data, it involves the collection of qualitative data and the use of non-numerical

metrics to capture a wide range of observations. By using open-ended questions and paying

meticulous attention to participants' responses, this method enables researchers to gain a strong

understanding of how individuals derive insights from their experiences.

In this research, the researchers will be employing a phenomenological research design.

As Alhazmi and Kaufmann (2022) define it, phenomenological research emphasizes exploring

the subjective meanings and essences of experiences, thereby offering a profound understanding

of participants' perspectives. This approach involves delving into the perspectives of individuals

who have directly experienced the life after being convicted. By prioritizing the subjective

viewpoints of participants, phenomenology facilitates a deep comprehension of how individuals

perceive and interpret the world around them. This emphasis on the individual's perspective

contributes to the authenticity and richness of the findings, providing insights that might be

overlooked in more structured research approaches (Greening, 2019).

To dig deeper into the essence of the study, the researchers will employ descriptive

phenomenology. Descriptive phenomenology emphasizes holistic understanding of the

phenomenon, considering it in its entirety. This thorough exploration guarantees that researchers
obtain insights into different aspects of the subject, creating a more detailed result and unbiased

information. Significantly, the participant perspectives are prioritized, allowing their voices to

take center stage in the research process by giving priority to participant voices, this approach

not only strengthens the authenticity of the findings but also ensures that the complexities of

individual experiences are accurately and comprehensively represented (Shorey & Ng, 2022).

Selection and Study Site

This study will employ four inclusion criteria in identifying the participants: (1) duration

of imprisonment, (2) age of the formerly incarcerated, (3) minimum of years outside the prison,

and (4) specific recorded criminal case. In terms of duration, the criteria will be a minimum of 12

months imprisonment because, according to Leones (2019), it is the average duration a single

Filipino can spend in prison with common to average criminal offenses such as drug offenses.

When it comes to age, this study will focus on formerly incarcerated individuals aged 20–45.

According to Statistica (2024), the average age of the prisoner in the Philippine statistics is in the

age bracket of 20–45 years old; 89% of these are males and 11% are females. The researchers

will also consider at least one (1) year outside the prison. According to the study of Wackefield

(2018), people most likely take years to adjust on the free world, depending on the length they

served in prison. Lastly, to ensure the safety and welfare of the researchers, the participant’s

crime case will be limited to less extreme case specifically drug related cases. According to The

Philippines Addresses Jails and Prison Overcrowding (2023), 70 percent of prisoners were drug-

related. Additionally, in the study conducted by Bangales (2023), their participants were

involved in drug-related cases because people who use drugs bring a unique perspective to the

table. They share their own experiences and insights about drug use. This information is essential

because it helps in understand the complex world of substance use and addiction.
 On the other hand, this study will also employ two exclusion criteria to fully specify the

target participants. These include (1) formerly incarcerated individuals who are suffering from

mental health problems. In the study conducted by Pageau et al. (2021), formerly incarcerated

individuals who have unstable mental health problems were excluded because of the possible

instability and poor quality of their participation in the study. This exclusion criteria is also

shown in the study of Augsburger (2022), in which they excluded individuals who possess

psychiatric instability as established by the correctional health team because it would cause

difficulty and unsafe participation. (2) the formerly incarcerated individuals who had violent

cases. To ensure the safety of the researchers, excluding formerly incarcerated individuals who

had violent cases is one way to attain it. In the study conducted by Espiritu et al. (2024), they

excluded formerly incarcerated individuals who had committed violent crimes, including murder

and assault, due to their involvement in physical crime. Given these criteria, the researchers will

identify their participants through the use of snowball sampling.

According to Creswell (1998), the standard number of participants for phenomenological

studies ranges from 5-25 as supported by the claims of Bekele and Aglo (2022). In that case, the

researchers will employ 5 participants to better gain insights and proper understanding of their

lived experiences. Thus, having a smaller size in phenomenological approach will allow

researchers to invest and focus more on the distinct viewpoints and perspectives of each

participant about their experiences (Sebele-Mpofu, 2021).

Participants will be recruited through snowball sampling. Snowball sampling involves

identifying initial participants who meet the criteria for the study and then asking them to refer

another potential participant from their social networks who might also have relevant

experiences. Through snowball sampling it easier to find the right people to talk to. It's like
asking someone who knows what's going on to introduce you to others who might have similar

experiences. This way, it can gather more diverse experiences and get a better grasp of what life

is like after being in prison (Kirchherr & Charles, 2018).

In finding the study participants the research locale focuses on the area within region 3.

The specific area chosen for the practicality and convenience. Since this study will employ

snowball sampling, the researchers will set up a place in which they can interview the

participants peacefully and properly. Each participant will be interviewed at a different time and

place. The time of the interview will be based on the free time of both the participants and the

researchers. In terms of place, the participants and researchers will be meeting outside each

other's houses to avoid possible conflicts. A less-crowded place is the ideal setting of the

researchers to avoid any distractions. According to Mwita (2022), the place is one of the

significant factors that affects the participants' quality and number of answers to the questions. It

is important to put into consideration the place of the interview— it should be a quiet place to

make the participant comfortable. It is also important communicate the place to the participants

before conducting the interview to avoid conflicts.

Data Measure

Interviews are commonly used in qualitative research. Therefore, in conducting the study,

the researchers utilized semi-structured interviews in a face-to-face setting. Semi-structured

interviews are often qualitative in nature and rely on asking questions within a predetermined

thematic framework (George, 2023). This type of interview is useful for personally engaging

individuals in one-on-one conversations (Bhandari, 2023). The interview consists of open-ended

ideas.

However, open-ended questions can sometimes trigger defensive answers from

participants. Therefore, the researchers adopted semi-structured interviews to prepare questions

beforehand, which also helps guide the conversation to keep participants on topic and encourages

two-way communication (Shakespeare, 2023).

The capacity of semi-structured interviews to be targeted while allowing the investigator

to freely explore pertinent themes that may develop throughout the interview is one of their key

advantages. This may result in a more thorough comprehension of the pharmacy service being

assessed. Moreover, the validity of the self-made interview questionnaire will be evaluated to

ensure the data received from participants is accurate and reliable enough to support the integrity

and quality of the questionnaire, allowing for accurate conclusions of the findings. Personal

biases are also minimized to reduce pressure and encourage immediate responses, thus providing

participants with a greater sense of anonymity (Adeoye-Olatunde & Olenik, 2021).

Data Collection Procedure

Initially, informed consent will be provided to the participants for full disclosure of the

information that will be obtained. The schedule for the interviews will be set by the researchers,

including the rendezvous, date, and time, so that participants will be informed and prepared.

Audio recording of the interview sessions will also be required to accurately capture information

from the participants, along with their consent. Lastly, a token of appreciation will be given to

the participants for their participation in the study.

Throughout the research process, ethical considerations were taken a higher priority.

Participants were asked to provide informed consent, and their anonymity and confidentiality

will be strictly protected. Ethical guidelines for qualitative research will be followed, including

those concerning respect, beneficence, and justice (Mazumdar, 2022). Prior to starting the study,

the researchers carefully explained all aspects of the interviews to the participants, including the

potential risks and benefits involved. Moreover, in order to maintain confidentiality, the

researchers took measures to protect the identities of the participants and ensured that any

information gathered remained strictly private. All of the information will be stated orally and

through an informed consent. These steps were in alignment with Republic Act No. 10173, also

recognized as the Data Privacy Act, which was established to safeguard different types of

information, whether personal, sensitive, or private. The primary goal of this legislation is to

protect both legal and factual individuals associated with the handling of personal data (National

Privacy Commission, 2012).

Mode of Analysis

Colaizzi’s method of analysis will be utilized. According to Wirihana et al. (2018), using

this method is appropriate for revealing the real experiences of the participants being

investigated. The data to be obtained will solely reflect and depend on their responses without

any influence from the researchers' perspectives or biases. Afterwards, the results of their

responses will be reviewed with them to confirm whether the data accurately matched their

perspectives or not. Colaizzi’s seven step process was used for data analysis (Colaizzi, 1978);
 Figure 1: Colaizzi, A step by step process.

Colaizzi's method worked effectively for selecting the important data from the verbatim

transcription to generate meanings (KR & Sasikumar, 2021). The established meanings

generated clusters of themes and topics would reflect the population's lived experience.