Incarceration Trauma From the Perspective of Individuals With Mental Illness: Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

Traumatic experiences are prevalent within the criminal justice system, disproportionately impacting individuals with mental illness. This study examines the trauma experiences of participants (n = 30) who reported incarceration trauma and had a mental health diagnosis prior to incarceration. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, trauma assessments, and interviews. Eighteen met criteria for incarceration-related PTSD or CPTSD, although only six had reported a previous PTSD diagnosis. Participants viewed traumatic experiences in an expansive way. Experiences included exposure to violence, loss of autonomy, subpar mental health care, bullying, social environment, uncertainty, poor living conditions, isolation, and humiliation. Participants recommended greater access to therapy, vocational and educational programming, personal advocates, healthcare staff, improved medication services, peer services, and religious support for addressing trauma. Participants also made suggestions related to preventative services, systemic changes, and community transition. Professionals serving currently or formerly incarcerated individuals should also understand how inequalities within the criminal justice system impact clients.

Plain Language Summary

Incarceration Trauma from the Perspective of Individuals with Mental Illness

Traumatic experiences are common within the criminal justice system, disproportionately impacting individuals with mental illness. This study examines the trauma experiences of participants (n = 30) who reported incarceration trauma and had a mental health diagnosis prior to incarceration. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, trauma assessments, and interviews. Eighteen met criteria for incarceration-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants viewed traumatic experiences in an expansive way. Experiences included exposure to violence, loss of autonomy, subpar mental health care, bullying, social environment, uncertainty, poor living conditions, isolation, and humiliation. Participants recommended greater access to therapy, vocational and educational programming, personal advocates, healthcare staff, improved medication services, peer services, and religious support for addressing trauma. Participants also made suggestions related to preventative services, systemic changes, and community transition. Professionals serving currently or formerly incarcerated individuals should also understand how inequalities within the criminal justice system impact clients.

Keywords

therapy trauma criminal justice mental illness incarceration

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