Prison brain? Executive dysfunction in prisoners

Abstract

A better understanding of the functioning of the brain, particularly executive functions, of the prison population could aid in reducing crime rates through the reduction of recidivism rates. Indeed, reoffending appears to be related to executive dysfunction and it is known that executive functions are crucial for self-regulation. In the current paper, studies to executive functions in regular adult prisoners compared to non-offender controls were reviewed. Seven studies were found. Specific executive functions were found to be impaired in the general prison population, i.e., attention and set-shifting, as well as in separate subgroups of violent (i.e., set-shifting and working memory) and non-violent offenders (i.e., inhibition, working memory and problem solving). We conclude that the limited number of studies is remarkable, considering the high impact of this population on society and elaborate on the implications of these specific impairments that were found. Further empirical research is suggested, measuring executive functioning within subjects over time for a group of detainees as well as a control group.

Depression, Executive Dysfunction, and Prior Economic and Social Vulnerability Associations in Incarcerated African American Men

“…Because effective planning, organizing behaviors, problem solving, working memory, and inhibiting impulsive behavior are crucial for those preparing to leave prison, programs addressing EF and depressive symptoms are essential (Meijers et al, 2015). The Goal-setting and Planning (GAP) intervention focuses on improving goal-setting and planning skills, and has been shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms while improving life satisfaction and well-being (Coote & MacLeod, 2012; Farquharson & MacLeod, 2014; Ferguson et al, 2009).…”

“…Of the over 600,000 prison inmates released annually, half will be re-incarcerated within the following three years, and three quarters within five years (Freeman, 2003). Underlying determinants of incarceration and recidivism include poverty, substance abuse, and lack of social support (Meijers, Harte, Jonker, & Meynen, 2015). In order to develop effective reentry and correctional facility-based programs that decrease post-release recidivism and improve community re-entry outcomes, research regarding modifiable factors linked to poverty, substance use, and low pro-social support among justice-involved persons is needed.…”

Swift, certain and fair justice: Insights from behavioural learning and neurocognitive research

“…Given the well‐documented deficits in executive functioning of both substance users and offenders , we argue that key parameters of SCF provide the necessary structure for these individuals to learn to establish new patterns of behaviour. It is well established that interventions that provide routine and structure in daily functioning, with clear instructions and goals, are best suited to individuals with executive functioning deficits .…”

Psychiatric disorders, substance use, and executive functioning in older probationers

“…Mental flexibility is the capacity to adapt and shift thinking in changing situations (Meltzer, 2014), so, reduced mental flexibility is expected to prevent people who offend from switching to more functional behaviours or finding new solutions to problems (Broomhall, 2005;Meijers, Harte, Jonker, & Meynen, 2015). Difficulties in these areas may particularly predispose people to criminal behaviour.…”

“…Difficulties in these areas may particularly predispose people to criminal behaviour. Mental flexibility is the capacity to adapt and shift thinking in changing situations (Meltzer, 2014), so, reduced mental flexibility is expected to prevent people who offend from switching to more functional behaviours or finding new solutions to problems (Broomhall, 2005;Meijers, Harte, Jonker, & Meynen, 2015). Response inhibition is the process of suppressing responses that distract from, and interfere with, goal-directed behaviour (Mostofsky & Simmonds, 2008).…”