Perceived correctional climate and suicidal ideation among inmates in Nigerian correctional centres

This study examined the relationship between perceived correctional climate factors (activity, emotional feedback, freedom, privacy, safety, social structure, and support) and suicidal ideation among inmates in Nigerian correctional Centres. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a purposive sample of 210 inmates across two major correctional facilities in southern Nigeria. The prison environment inventory (PEI) was used to assess seven dimensions of correctional climate, while the Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSS) measured suicidal ideation. Data were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression. The results showed that correctional climate factors were jointly significantly associated with suicidal ideation, accounting for 48.3% of its variance, R ² = 0.483, F (7, 202) = 26.94, p < 0.001. Individually, more favourable perceptions of privacy (β = -0.34, p < 0.001), safety (β = -0.29, p < 0.001), and emotional feedback (β = -0.22, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with lower suicidal ideation. Institutional support (β = -0.19, p = 0.015) and structured activities (β = -0.14, p = 0.049) were also significantly inversely related to suicidal ideation, whereas perceived freedom and social structure were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that perceived correctional climate is significantly related to suicidal ideation among inmates, with privacy and safety emerging as particularly important environmental correlates. The study recommends integrating mental health screening with environmental and institutional measures that strengthen privacy, safety, support, and meaningful activities within correctional settings.