The role of spirituality in the lives of imprisoned people in the Cayman Islands

Lewis, B, 2024. The role of spirituality in the lives of imprisoned people in the Cayman Islands. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This thesis aimed to understand the role of spirituality in the lives of people imprisoned in the Cayman Islands. The key objectives were to understand the role of spirituality in (1) identity, (2) relationships, and (3) experiences of imprisonment. Novel contributions were made since a study of this nature – qualitatively exploring the role of spirituality in Caymanian prisons - has never been conducted before. This allowed for the elicitation of ‘hidden’ data which is relevant locally and globally when considered alongside widespread experiences of spirituality and imprisonment – i.e., the pains of imprisonment, and spiritual belief and practice. The role of spirituality in rehabilitation emerged as a significant theme, denoting its discussion within the findings. Constructivist ontological and interpretivist epistemological perspectives were taken within the methodological approach. The aim and objectives were addressed using qualitative methods – double (twice per person at separate times) and single (using both interview schedules) semi structured interviews, and object elicitation with 14 male and four female participants. Key insights around challenges in prison research (negotiating control with institutions) and opportunities (benefits of insider positionality) were discussed. Thematic analysis and interpretive phenomenological analysis were used to analyse the data. Attachment theory, social identity theory, identity performance theory, actor-network theory, and the good lives model were used to interpret the findings. Key findings include the unique and complex nature of spiritual identity, from which spiritual items and spaces were be created and utilised within the prison to benefit wellbeing, identity, relationships, experiences of imprisonment, and rehabilitation. The findings also demonstrated that spirituality impacts relationships with family, other imprisoned people, and prison staff, although the outcomes were nuanced and complex. Additional findings included that experiences of imprisonment were significantly related to spirituality, which had positive or negative impacts on wellbeing and rehabilitation depending on the individual’s spiritual identity. Spirituality in Cayman’s prisons was inherently subjective, having a complex role within identity, relationships, and experiences of imprisonment from which nuanced outcomes within rehabilitation may occur

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Lewis, B.
Contributors:	Name Role NTU ID ORCID Zempi, I. Thesis supervisor SGY3ZEMPIEC https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1719-8573 Keenan, M. Thesis supervisor NBS3KEENAM UNSPECIFIED
Date:	September 2024
Rights:	The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level, and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	19 Dec 2025 15:00
Last Modified:	19 Dec 2025 15:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54899

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