Hard T: the Stressful Nature of Incarceration for Women

Abstract

This descriptive, correlational study explored the stressful life event of incarceration for women prisoners and examined its relationship to selected health outcomes. Interviews with 55 women during their first week of incarceration and after 6 months in prison provided the data for analysis. Specific stresses of incarceration identified by the women included separation from families, worry about their children, and loss of control of their own lives. Psychological stress at time of incarceration was found to be positively related to depression and weight gain after 6 months of incarceration. Strategies to decrease the stressful nature of incarceration and improve the health status of incarcerated women are recommended.

Changes in weight experienced by female inmates in the federal bureau of prisons

“…This study revealed that upon incarceration in a Federal facility, 44% of the women were obese, however after six months the percentage of obese inmates increased to 57%. Moreover, 17% of the women admitted within normal weight range were obese at the end of the study (Fogel, 1993). These studies indicated that short-term incarceration, whether by increasing stress or altering diet, was followed by weight gain.…”

“…Weight gain during incarceration was also addressed in a study by Fogel (1993), that examined stress and its long-term outcomes related to clinical depression, physical symptoms and weight gain. This study revealed that upon incarceration in a Federal facility, 44% of the women were obese, however after six months the percentage of obese inmates increased to 57%.…”

The Influence of Stress on the Menstrual Cycle among Newly Incarcerated Women

“…In addition to the stresses of incarceration, (Fogel, 1993) incarcerated women are more likely to have experienced past stressful life events such as violence and economic deprivation. Further, the population of incarcerated women includes a disproportionate number of racial and ethnic minorities.…”

“…Although no studies have yet examined the relationship with reproductive function, stress during incarceration has been shown to be associated with depression, weight gain, and number of physical symptoms reported. (Fogel, 1993) We hypothesize that menstrual dysfunction is highly prevalent among incarcerated women in Rhode Island. This study examines the association between menstrual irregularity and amenorrhea and stressful life experiences in a population of newly incarcerated women.…”

Filhas do mundo: infração juvenil feminina no Rio de Janeiro

“…Fogel (1993) verificou que, na primeira semana de prisão, metade das internas relatou pânico e medo, especialmente de serem molestadas sexualmente e de sofrerem violência física. Mulheres que ficaram detidas na cadeia antes de irem à prisão ouviram histórias terríveis sobre a vida ali, contribuindo para aumentar o medo que estavam sentindo.…”