Related Experiment Videos
Lethal vs nonlethal suicide attempts in jail
1William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute, Columbia, SC, USA. grm70@wshpi.dmh.state.sc.us
Psychological Reports
|June 11, 1998
Summary
Jail suicide rates are alarmingly high. Hanging attempts are more common and lethal than cutting, with most deaths occurring on the first day of incarceration, highlighting urgent prevention needs.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Jail suicide rates are 11-14 times higher than in the general population.
- Suicide is a significant concern within correctional facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare demographic, offense, and situational characteristics of jail inmates who attempted suicide.
- To differentiate between lethal (hanging) and nonlethal (cutting) suicide attempts in a jail setting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 665 adult male and 89 female jail inmates.
- Comparison of suicide attempt methods: hanging versus wrist/arm-cutting.
Main Results:
- Hanging attempts were twice as frequent as cutting attempts.
- Hanging had a significantly higher mortality rate (19 times greater than cutting).
- 63% of hanging suicide deaths occurred on the inmate's first day in jail.
Conclusions:
- Inmate race, arrest condition, time after booking, charge type, and jail size are factors differentiating lethal from nonlethal attempts.
- Findings inform jail suicide risk assessment and prevention strategies.
- Early intervention during the initial jail booking period is critical.