Correlates of suicidal ideation in incarcerated offenders: a pilot study in three Belgian prisons

Journal of Criminal Psychology,Volume 6, Issue 4, November 2016. Purpose This pilot study aimed to investigate the correlates of suicidal ideation in offenders incarcerated in three Belgian prisons. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional questionnaire design was used. Sixty participants were recruited from three Belgian prisons. In addition to a questionnaire regarding demographic, social, institutional, and criminological factors, validated self-report instruments of psychological and psychiatric variables (coping, hopelessness and depressive symptomatology) were administered. Associations with suicidal ideation were tested using regression analysis. Findings Coping style, life events, and social support were most strongly associated with suicidal ideation in prisoners. In particular, a passive coping style, feelings of loneliness, and the loss of a significant other contributed most to the presence of suicidal ideation, whereas a close partner relationship constituted a protective factor of suicidal thoughts. Research limitations/implications This pilot study used a convenience sampling strategy, prone to sampling bias. Additionally, given the small sample size, results must be interpreted with caution, as they might not be representative of the general population of prisoners in Belgium. Practical implications Interventions focusing on improving copings skills and social support and on impeding the availability and accessibility of suicide methods are promising...
Source: Journal of Criminal Psychology - Category: Criminology Source Type: research