Suicidal Ideation among Inmate‐Patients in State Prison: Prevalence, Reluctance to Report, and Treatment Preferences

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence, willingness to report, and treatment preferences for suicidal ideation among state prison inmates. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) and a novel questionnaire were completed by 67 inmate-patients. The BSS score was in the high range for 15% of general population (GP) and 40% of Intermediate Care Program (ICP) patients, with 19% of ICP inmates reporting a "moderate to strong" desire to commit suicide. A majority (64% GP, 86% ICP) had prior suicide attempt(s). Forty-two percent of GP and 31% of ICP inmate-patients were unlikely to tell mental health staff about suicidal thoughts. Family contact and talking with mental health staff were preferred interventions. ICP inmates preferred staff visits and observation in their own cells, but GP inmates did not. Only a small minority (14% GP, 21% ICP) favored transfer to a crisis observation cell, but the least desired option was talking to a corrections officer. While many inmate-patients reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, they preferred not to inform staff. Almost 80% did not favor the current primary intervention: the observation cell. Alternative or supplementary options should be considered.

Suicide Decedents in Correctional Settings: Mental Health Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, Plans, and/or Attempts

“…Third, staff should pay attention to what family members say about the incarcerated individual's mental health and need for psychiatric evaluation and medication continuation as family members have more knowledge about their loved ones' need. A study of individuals with suicidal ideation incarcerated in state prison also found that they wanted more contact with family and staff (although not necessarily about their suicidal ideation) as their preferred prevention approach (Way, Kaufman, Knoll, & Chlebowski, 2013). A study of prisoners who overcame suicidality found that sense of self, presence of meaning, connectedness, shift of perspective, and reestablishing control were common themes (Reading & Bowen, 2014).…”

Psychological Characteristics and Predictors of Suicide Probability in High-Risk Prisoners

“…This must be contrasted with evidence that for many incarcerated individuals, a prison environment can be protective, and offer more positive opportunities than a life outside of prison. For example, many prisoners experience severe psychological disorders and may not have had access to mental health services when they were community based (Konrad, Welke, & Opitz-Welke, 2012; Way, Kaufman, Knoll, & Chlebowski, 2013). This means that there may be aspects of the prison environment, especially with respect to mental health care, which represent a positive change.…”

Hospital‐treated suicide attempts among Finnish fire setters: a follow‐up study

“…Better recognition of their needs in this respect may not only save lives, but also help reduce criminal recidivism (DeJong et al, 1992). A serious difficulty, however, is that while many prisoners report experiencing suicidal thoughts, they are reluctant to inform prison staff about them (Way et al, 2013). In Finland, a national suicide-prevention strategy has been developed for the general population, but unfortunately, it does not pay attention to special groups like released offenders, whose safety net is typically weak.…”