Nonfatal suicide-related behavior among inmates: testing for gender and type differences

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Criminology
• Mental Health in Corrections

Background:

• Suicide-related behavior (SRB) presents a significant challenge within correctional facilities.
• Prevalence rates of SRB differ between male and female inmate populations.
• Understanding the nuances of SRB, including instrumental behavior (IB) versus suicidal acts (SA), is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence and characteristics of suicide-related behavior (SRB) between male and female inmates.
• To differentiate between instrumental behavior (IB) and suicidal acts (SA) within the context of inmate SRB.
• To identify psychological and experiential factors associated with SRB in female inmates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of inmate records.
• Comparison of SRB prevalence rates between male and female inmate cohorts.
• Assessment of psychological traits, victimization history, and psychiatric diagnoses in female inmates exhibiting SRB.

Main Results:

• Female inmates (40.8%) reported higher SRB prevalence than male inmates (28%).
• Excluding instrumental behavior (IB), suicidal act (SA) rates were comparable: 11.9% for females and 16% for males.
• Female inmates with SRB showed higher rates of suicidality, hostility, impulsivity, prior victimization, and Axis I/II disorders.

Conclusions:

• While overall SRB is higher in female inmates, SA rates are more similar between sexes.
• Female inmates engaging in SRB often present with complex psychological and trauma histories.
• Further research is needed to understand the specific drivers of IB versus SA in incarcerated populations.