The impact of imprisonment on individuals’ mental health and society reintegration: study protocol

Olga Cunha, Andreia de Castro Rodrigues, Sónia Caridade, Ana Rita Dias, Telma Catarina Almeida, Ana Rita Cruz, Maria Manuela Peixoto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Prison sentences are a particular type of penalty that aim to reintegrate individuals into society. Nonetheless, research suggests that prison sentences have a null or a criminogenic effect on recidivism and a critical impact on inmates’ mental health, negatively interfering with their successful reintegration into society and recidivism. Prevalence rates of mental health disorders among individuals who commit crimes are high, but little is known about how incarceration perpetuates and/or worsens mental health symptoms. In the Portuguese context, no studies focused on understanding the impact of imprisonment on prisoners’ mental health. Thus, this project aims to understand incarceration’s mental health and well-being impact on male and female individuals convicted to prison, both while incarcerated and after release. Methods: The study will follow a quantitative cross-sectional design of male and female individuals in prison and parole, aiming to assess different samples at different moments of the prison sentence. It will also follow a longitudinal design in a subsample of male and female individuals sentenced to prison and on parole who will be followed for one year. Discussion: This study intends to have a meaningful impact on the understanding of imprisonment effects, giving important clues for developing and implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies to address prisoners’ and ex-prisoners’ mental health and improve their ability to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.

Original languageEnglish
Article number215
Pages (from-to)215
Number of pages6
JournalBMC psychology
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Jul 2023

Keywords

  • Conditional release
  • Mental health
  • Prison
  • Social reintegration
  • Prisons
  • Prisoners/psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Mental Disorders/epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Female
  • Mental Health

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