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"Self-execution" and state execution.
David Lester1, Christine Tartaro
1Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, P.O. Box 195, Jimmie Leeds Road, Pomona, NJ 08240-0195, USA.
Psychological Reports
|October 14, 2006
Summary
The suicide rate among death row inmates in the U.S. between 1977 and 1999 showed no correlation with their likelihood of execution. This finding suggests execution probability does not influence inmate suicide risk.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The death penalty and its impact on inmate psychology are critical areas of study.
- Understanding factors influencing suicide rates among incarcerated populations is crucial for correctional facility management and mental health care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the probability of execution and the suicide rate among death row inmates in the United States.
- To determine if the perceived likelihood of execution influences suicide risk in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the United States between 1977 and 1999.
- Statistical correlation analysis to assess the association between suicide rates and execution probabilities for death row inmates.
Main Results:
- A non-significant correlation (r = -0.25) was found between the suicide rate of death row inmates and their probability of execution.
- The findings indicate no statistical association between these two variables during the study period.
Conclusions:
- The probability of execution does not appear to be a significant factor influencing suicide rates among death row inmates in the U.S. during the specified period.
- Further research may explore other psychological, social, or environmental factors contributing to suicide risk in this population.
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