A Comparison of the Problem-Solving Abilities and Psychological Distress of Suicidal, Bullied, and Protected Prisoners

Abstract

This research examines the relation between means-end thinking and psychological distress in a group of young, incarcerated Scottish offenders who exhibited difficulties in adjusting to the prison regime. Four groups of inmates were examined: (a) those placed in suicidal supervision; (b) those removed from main circulation and placed in protection; (c) victims of bullying who remained in main circulation; and (d) a group who had adjusted reasonably to the prison regime. The Means-End Problem Procedure (MEPS) was used in conjunction with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Results suggested a hierarchy of problem-solving deficits and psychological distress that were both most pronounced in the inmates placed in suicidal supervision. Deficits in problem solving were also found to correlate with higher levels of distress. Analyses of covariance revealed the importance of the status of the individuals in relation to their adjustment to prison after controlling for age and the total amount of time spent incarcerated. The results are discussed in relation to possible interventions to promote adjustment to prison life among such vulnerable inmates.

Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II with incarcerated male offenders aged 18–21 years

“…Osman et al (2004) also reported signifi cant correlations between BDI-II scores and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire -Revised (Osman et al, 2001) with North American adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Furthermore, these results are in line with research using other measures of depression (Biggam and Power, 1999;Chioqueta and Stiles, 2005). Further evidence for convergent validity is provided by the signifi cant correlation between BDI-II scores and BHS scores.…”

Association between measures of aggression and bullying among juvenile and young offenders

“…Bullying occurs within the context of interpersonal relations and thus 'being bullied' can represent such a threat. Consistent with this, Biggam and Power [1998] found that victims of bullying were characterised by elevated levels of anger and hostility. Duckworth [1998] reported similar findings when exploring the views of victims following an incident of bullying: fifty percent reported feeling angry, and forty percent frustrated.…”

A systematic review of structured group interventions with mentally disordered offenders

“…(McMurran et al, 2001b, p. 273) Social problem-solving has been understood as the ability to apply these skills in everyday activities (McMurran et al, 2001b). Social problem-solving defi cits have been noted in young offender populations (Biggam and Power, 1999) and also in mentally disordered offenders (McMurran et al, 2001a). At least three evidence-based treatment manuals have been designed to improve the problem-solving abilities of offenders:…”