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Mourning in prison: mission impossible?
1University of Vermont, Maine Medical Center, Portland, USA.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|October 24, 1998
Summary
Prison inmates face significant challenges with unresolved grief and loss. A prison-based grief support group was established to help them navigate mourning during incarceration and upon release.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Hospice volunteering revealed the prevalence of unresolved loss among incarcerated individuals.
- Inmates frequently encounter profound grief and bereavement issues during their sentences.
- The unique prison environment complicates the natural grieving process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the challenges of mourning within correctional facilities.
- To describe the implementation and experiences of a prison-based grief support group.
- To understand the specific needs of inmates dealing with loss.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative description of the author's experience establishing and facilitating a grief support group in a state prison.
- Incorporation of inmate feedback and experiences in group dynamics.
- Observation of bereavement processes within the incarcerated population.
Main Results:
- Inmates expressed significant difficulty in mourning due to the prison setting.
- The support group provided a necessary outlet for processing grief and loss.
- Participants highlighted the long-term impact of unresolved grief upon release.
Conclusions:
- Prison environments present unique barriers to effective mourning and grief resolution.
- Facilitated grief support groups can be beneficial for incarcerated individuals.
- Addressing inmate bereavement is crucial for rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
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