First-Time and Recurrent Inmates’ Experiences of Imprisonment

Abstract

The authors surveyed 267 first-time (n = 102) and recurrent (n = 165) adult male inmates from two medium-security prisons in England. The findings revealed significant differences between the two groups of inmates: A relatively higher proportion of recurrent inmates were enrolled in drug treatment programs; a relatively higher proportion of first-time inmates had given up smoking and drinking, whereas more recurrent inmates had given up drugs; recurrent inmates thought about sex significantly more often, whereas first-time inmates were more concerned about being attacked; and finally, the highest proportion of recurrent inmates cited "improved health" as the best thing about being in prison, compared to the highest proportion of first-time inmates who cited "opportunity for rehabilitation." Results were partially explained by differences in aspects of prisoners' lives before prison and their differential exposure to imprisonment, and not by prison security, prison regime, or sentence variables. The findings can inform the development of prison regimes and policies that facilitate adjustment to imprisonment.

Beyond the dichotomy: Incarceration dosage and mental health*

“…Alternatively, Patterson (2013) discovered that mortality risk increases with time served, and some study results have demonstrated a positive association between dosage and health-related outcomes such as feelings of hopelessness (Dhami, Ayton, & Loewenstein, 2007), psychiatric disorders (Baillargeon, Binswanger, Penn, Williams, & Murray, 2009), and body mass index (Houle, 2014). Finally, repeat bouts of incarceration may even be associated with improved health (Schnittker & John, 2007;Souza & Dhami, 2010).…”

Prison for Beginners? The Strengths, Limitations and Potential Applications of Prisoner Handbooks

“…In documenting a personal journey, it can be argued that prisoners will find these handbooks more convincing and relevant through the empathy they convey. Whilst issues around literacy and language do need to be considered and alternative formats explored, we conclude by making a strong case for the prisoner handbook in its potential to aid adaptation to life in prison, which Souza and Dhami (2010) note, may contribute towards successful resettlement and have a positive impact not only on prisoners, but for all stakeholders in the criminal justice system.…”

“…There may also be implications for prison staff, to whom the task of correcting misinformation often falls. In addition, as noted by Souza and Dhami (2010), adaptation to life in prison can impact upon success post release. Therefore, given their potential to generate impact within and beyond prisons, it is clear that prisoner handbooks are deserving of academic scrutiny…”

Penerapan Art Therapy Untuk Mengurangi Gejala Depresi Pada Narapidana

“…Jumlah ini melebihi kapasitas yang dialokasikan pemerintah; 27 dari 33 Kanwil di Indonesia menampung lebih banyak narapidana dari yang seharusnya (Sistem Database Pemasyarakatan; 23 Agustus 2017). Narapidana yang menjalani hukuman pertama kali memiliki perasaan takut dan kekhawatiran akan kekerasan dibandingkan dengan narapidana yang telah berulangkali masuk penjara (Souza & Dhami, 2010). Penelitian tentang dampak dari hukuman pidana yang lama (di atas enam tahun) oleh MacKenzie dan Goodstein (1985) menemukan bahwa narapidana yang dihukum pertama kali dan harus menjalankan hukuman di atas enam tahun mengalami tingkat kecemasan, depresi dan simtom psikosomatis yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan narapidana yang menjalani hukuman di bawah enam tahun.…”