| Abstract [eng] |
The prevalence of suicidal behavior in correctional facilities is significantly higher than in the general population. This increases the likelihood of being exposed to another person’s suicidal behavior while serving a prison sentence. Exposure to suicidal behavior is associated with negative mental health outcomes such as post-traumatic stress, increased depression, anxiety, and others (Hales et al., 2013; Slade et al., 2019). Despite the accumulated knowledge, little is still known about how this experience relates to the mental health of prisoners. This study aims to better understand how exposure to others’ suicidal behavior is associated to psychological well-being, stress coping, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress among prisoners. This study analyzes a sample of 212 adult men serving prison sentences. Participants completed questionnaires assessing exposure to suicidal behavior, psychological well-being (WHO-5; World Health Organization, 1998), coping strategies (Brief COPE; Carver, 1997), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (IES-R; Weiss & Marmar, 1997). The results revealed that 79% of the inmates who participated in the study had been exposed to suicidal behavior by others during their time in prison over the past year. The use of denial, substance use, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame coping strategies by inmates is associated with poorer psychological well-being and more pronounced post-traumatic stress symptoms. Substance use mediates the relationship between exposure to others’ self-harm and psychological well-being. Furthermore, stress coping strategies employed by inmates who have been exposed to others’ suicidal behavior predict post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study’s results reveal the high prevalence of exposure to suicidal behavior among individuals serving custodial sentences, as well as the links between such experiences and mental health. |
