Suicide In the U.S. Federal Prison System
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between demographic traits of inmates in U.S.Federal prisons, and the commission of suicide from the time period 1993-97. A comparison was made to previous studies of two earlier 5-year periods. A stress adaptation model of nursing care was adopted for the purpose of providing a conceptual framework for the study, and the primary method of data collection employed was achart review. Data surrounding the event of suicide was extracted from 61 inmaterecords, representing 100% of all suicides occurring during the five-year period of the study. Data was examined through the use of a tool used in previous research called the psychological autopsy . The results of the study were found to be similar to those of previous studies, and were demonstrated in an updated inmate profile which delineates common risk factors for suicide in this correctional setting. Results of this study confirm the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs in place within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Recommendations for the future included the increased utilization of mid-level practitioners to identify inmates at high risk for suicide, a critical look at the physical environment in which the suicides take place, and the continuation of an on-going, systematic approach to the problem of inmate suicide in the correctional setting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- AD1012138
Entities
People
- Robert C. Frickey
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences