Personal, Criminal and Social Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Prison

Francisco Caravaca Sánchez, Eva Aizpurua, Jorge Javier Ricarte, Tom J. Barry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Previous epidemiological analyses indicate that specific demographic and criminal factors might be associated with suicide attempts during incarceration. However, there is a relative lack of research examining the role of social variables such as perceived social support. Data from 943 male inmates enrolled from three correctional facilities in Spain were collected. Participants completed self-report measures of the demographic, penitentiary and sentence-related, social support and suicide attempts variables. Approximately 1 in 11 inmates indicated that they had attempted suicide during incarceration. Inmates who were 50 years or above and who were serving longer sentences were significantly more likely to attempt suicide. Perceived social support was not associated with suicide attempts. These characteristics might be included in the development of intervention programs for incarcerated individuals.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)582-595
Number of pages14
JournalArchives of Suicide Research
Volume25
Issue number3
Early online date13 Mar 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Jul 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 International Academy for Suicide Research.

Keywords

  • Male inmates
  • prisons
  • social support
  • Spain
  • suicide attempts

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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