Clinical Risk Factors Associated with Parasuicide in Prison

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify risk factors associated with parasuicide in a state prison setting that might provide direction and focus for prevention. A proposed model tested the ability of current clinical and background variables to predict parasuicide during incarceration among male inmates. Psychiatric history, symptomatology, and psychological functioning variables affected parasuicide directly and indirectly through their contribution to suicidal ideation. Among inmates with histories of alcohol abuse, however, hopelessness was a less significant predictor of parasuicide, suggesting that interaction effects may warrant more attention.

Risk factors for self‐injurious behaviour in custody: Problems of definition and prediction

“…In general, predicting self-injurious behaviour with low base rates (Battle et al, 1993;Cooke & Michie, 1996;Ivanoff et al, 1996) is problematic. In predictions with low base rates, Hurley (1989) and McCleave and Latham (1998) address the necessity of methods needing incredible specificity and sensitivity.…”

“…Young Beigel & Russel (1972), Ivanoff et al (1996), Kerkhof & Bernasco (1990), Liebling & Krarup (1993), Meltzer et al (2003), Schaller et al (1996) Allen (1969), Goss et al (2002), Howard et al (2003), Inch et al (1995, Ireland (2000), Ivanoff (1992), Jones (1986), Lawlor & Kosky (1992), Kerkhof & Bernasco (1990) Forensic/prison-related factors (Table III) This review focuses on risk factors on the individual level. Nevertheless, it is interesting to take a look at studies that have analyed the relationship of rates for suicidal behaviour (attempted and completed suicide) and global (macro) factors.…”

“…Personality disorder (any) Holley et al (1995), Maden et al (2000), Meltzer et al (2003), Life events Blaauw et al (2002), Kerkhof & Bernasco (1990), Rohde et al (1997b) Depression Biggam & Power (1999), Dear et al (2001), Eidhin et al (2002), Haines et al (1995), Holden & Kroner (2003), Holley et al (1995), Inch et al (1995, Ivanoff et al (1996), Kempton & Forehand (1992), Miller et al (1982), Mohino Justes et al (2004), Palmer & Connelly (2005), Penn et al (2003), Rohde et al (1997b), Ruchkin et al (2003), Shea (1993) Panton (1962) Hopelessness Biggam & Power (1999), Dear et al (2001), Eidhin et al (2002), Esposito & Clum (1999), Gray et al (2003), Holden & Kroner (2003), Hopes & Shaull (1986), Inch et al (1995, Ivanoff et al (1996) Kempton & Forehand (1992), Ruchkin et al (2003), Sanislow et al (2003) a Psychopathy was diagnosed with PCL-R (Hare, 1991). b Only PCL-R factor 1 was a predictor of suicidal behaviour.…”

“…Hopelessness is the cognitive component of depression and seems to be especially associated with suicidality (Holden & Kroner, 2003). Ivanoff et al (1996), however, discuss both hopelessness and depression only mediated via suicidal ideation relating to parasuicide. Depression and hopelessness seem to be associated with suicide attempts (called parasuicide here) but only indirectly via their effect on suicidal ideation.…”

The management of suicide and self-harm in prisons: Recommendations for good practice

“…They suggested, f o r example, that whilst past or current psychopathology may be sufficient to increase suicidal behaviour, it is "particularly potent" in those with poor coping and/or negative cognitions (p. 39). Similarly, Ivanoff et al (1996) argued that risk factors affect self-harm indirectly through their contribution to suicidal ideation. They suggest that changes in emotional functioning (e.g., increased levels of hopelessness and depression) promote cognitive changes whereby individuals see themselves as less able to cope and with fewer reasons to live.…”