Prison inmate characteristics and suicide attempt lethality: An exploratory study.

Abstract

Working with suicidal inmates is among the most demanding elements of clinical practice in corrections, yet few studies regarding the characteristics of prison inmate suicide attempters or their attempts exist. This represents a significant gap as the method of attempt, the prison context, and the resulting lethality of these incidents may be different from attempts made outside of prison. This exploratory study is the first to apply a continuous scale rating of suicide attempt lethality to incidents where an inmate survived a suicide attempt. It describes the attempt incident dynamics and resulting range of lethality scores found within the study sample. It also examines the inmate adjustment and mental health characteristics that were associated with the lethality rating. Preliminary findings suggest that increases in suicide attempt lethality are associated with the presence of Axis II disorders, favorable staff interactions, and the decreased use of drugs other than marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, or depressants. A call for research to extend this exploration through replication is made and recommendations for clinical practice are considered.

Self-harm in prisons in England and Wales: an epidemiological study of prevalence, risk factors, clustering, and subsequent suicide

“…From these data, we calculated the age distribution of individuals who self-harmed and categorised the number of incidents by type of prison and sentencing, and by the lethality of incidents and methods used to self-harm, for male and female prisoners separately. One of us (TA) estimated lethality of every self-harm incident on the basis of treatment outcome, an approach similar to other prison research 13 . Incidents categorised as high lethality involve resuscitation in prison, an overnight stay in hospital, external hospitalisation on life support, or a combination of these.…”

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

“…Common stressors preceding the suicide were adverse information such as loss of good time or disruption of family/friendship relationships in the community, inmate-to-inmate conflict, recent disciplinary action, physical illness, and fear (Way et al, 2005). However, good relationships with staff may be associated with suicide attempts of increased lethality in inmates with personality disorders owing to increased freedom (Magaletta, Patry, Wheat, & Bates, 2008).…”

Studying survivors of near-lethal suicide attempts as a proxy for completed suicide in prisons

“…These are acts which were very nearly fatal had it not been for ''rapid and effective pre-hospital care or other emergency treatment'' or, in some cases, chance [13: 175]. As a concept, lethality refers to the seriousness, deadliness or severity of an act [14]. In other words, it is the likelihood that an act will result in death.…”