Beneath the Sentence: A Deep Dive into Post-Homicidal Mentality and Coping Strategies on Sri Lanka’s Death Row Inmates

Abstract

This study explores the post-homicidal mentality and coping strategies of individuals convicted of homicide and sentenced to capital punishment in Sri Lanka, a context marked by stressful conditions of incarceration and cultural stigma. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with six male inmates at Welikada Prison to understand how they perceive and manage their acts (i.e., homicide) and extended detention under the threat of the death penalty. The results showed a variety of signs of psychological distress after a homicide, such as guilt, anxiety, disorientation, and emotional numbness. In order to deal with guilt, control intrusive memories, and adapt to prison life, participants used coping strategies, particularly religious surrender, creative engagement, and moral reframing. According to these findings, death row inmates face significant psychological difficulties, and the correctional system in Sri Lanka urgently needs culturally competent mental health services and rehabilitative frameworks. The study contributes to the limited qualitative literature on the inner experiences of death row prisoners, offering insights for policy development and clinical practices aimed at supporting psychological adaptation in highly punitive environments.