Related Experiment Videos
Suicide attempts and self-mutilative behavior in a juvenile correctional facility
Joseph V Penn1, Christianne L Esposito, Leah E Schaeffer
1Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, USA. Jpenn@lifespan.org
Summary
Incarcerated youth exhibit higher rates of suicide attempts, often using violent methods, compared to the general population. Clinically referred incarcerated youth with suicidal or self-mutilative behaviors show increased depression, anxiety, and anger, highlighting a need for mental health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- Correctional Healthcare
Background:
- Incarcerated adolescents face unique mental health challenges.
- Understanding the prevalence and psychological correlates of suicidal and self-mutilative behaviors in this population is critical.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the lifetime history of suicide attempts or specific psychological factors during incarceration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime history of suicide attempts among incarcerated youths.
- To identify psychological factors associated with suicidal and self-mutilative behaviors during incarceration.
- To compare these behaviors and associated factors with the general adolescent population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic random sample (25%) of adolescents admitted to a juvenile correctional facility was reviewed (n=289).
- A subset of clinically referred adolescents (n=78) underwent psychiatric assessment.
- The Spectrum of Suicidal Behavior Scale and Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation were used for assessment.
Main Results:
- 12.4% of incarcerated adolescents reported a prior suicide attempt, with nearly 60% using violent methods.
- Among clinically referred subjects, 30% reported suicidal ideation/behavior and 30% reported self-mutilative behavior while incarcerated.
- Suicidal youths reported higher depression, anxiety, and anger; self-mutilative youths reported higher anxiety, anger, and substance use.
Conclusions:
- Incarcerated adolescents demonstrate higher rates of suicide attempts and employ more violent methods than their non-incarcerated peers.
- Clinically referred incarcerated youths engaging in suicidal or self-mutilative behaviors exhibit more severe affective symptoms.
- These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health treatment and support services within juvenile correctional facilities.