Suicide in Prison: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Suicide is an important cause of death in prisons across the United States. Existing research on prison suicides has been criticized for focusing on static variables such as demographics. The purpose of the present investigation was to study dynamic variables by examining the experiences of 24 inmates who attempted suicide in prison. Inmates were interviewed in six state prison facilities in Oregon. The results were organized into three categories: mental health issues, relationship issues, and prison factors. The themes and subthemes of each category are illustrated with quotes, and results are discussed in light of relevant literature.

Predictors of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm without lethal intent in a community corrections sample

“…In a sample of female inmates, for instance, 23-30% met criteria for depression (Hatton & Fisher, 2008). The associations of suicidal ideation and behavior with depressive symptoms have been noted by other investigators (Baillargeon et al, 2009;Suto & Arnaut, 2010). In fact, depression has been found to be the best predictor of inmate suicide (Baillargeon et al, 2009;Suto & Arnaut, 2010).…”

“…Yet, as government and private mental health institutions have faded from prominence, correctional facilities (i.e., jails, prisons, and community corrections) have increasingly become caregivers for people with acute and chronic mental illnesses (Suto & Arnaut, 2010;Torrey, Kennard, Elsinger, Lamb, & Pavle, 2010;Wortzel, Binswanger, Anderson, & Adler, 2009). Additional sociologic factors, such as the loss of traditional social networks and population migration, have also contributed to the increasing involvement of mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system (Harrison & Rogers, 2007).…”

“…As the responsibility of caring for those with mental illness continues to shift from medical to correctional services, one would expect the associated risks of lethal and nonlethal self-harm behaviors to rise in correctional settings (Suto & Arnaut, 2010;Wortzel et al, 2009). In fact, several researchers have noted that self-harm behaviors, attempted suicide, and suicide are higher among correctional populations than in the general population (Bjork & Lindqvist, 2005;Jeglic, Vanderhoff, & Donovick, 2005;Joukamaa, 1998;Kenny, Lennings, & Munn, 2008;Paanila, Hakola, & Tiihonen,1999;Roe-Sepowitz, 2007).…”

“…In other samples the early period of incarceration appears to be the time of greatest risk (Sattar, 2003;Wortzel et al, 2009). Some interpersonal dynamic factors include contentious relationships with staff, over-controlled environment, and lack of contact with individuals not involved in the justice system (Suto & Arnaut, 2010). Other factors elevating suicide risk in incarcerated populations include difficult relationships with other inmates or staff, threats from other inmates, actual or anticipated segregation, bullying, violence, elevated emotional reactivity, and hypervigilance (Bonner, 2006;Suto & Arnaut, 2010).…”

“…Some interpersonal dynamic factors include contentious relationships with staff, over-controlled environment, and lack of contact with individuals not involved in the justice system (Suto & Arnaut, 2010). Other factors elevating suicide risk in incarcerated populations include difficult relationships with other inmates or staff, threats from other inmates, actual or anticipated segregation, bullying, violence, elevated emotional reactivity, and hypervigilance (Bonner, 2006;Suto & Arnaut, 2010). Inmates who attempted suicide were more likely to have aggression during incarceration Sarchiapone, Jaussent, et al, 2009).…”