Labeling Mental Illness in Jails - A Theoretical Perspective (From Mental Health Services in Local Jails - Post-workshop Dissemination, Research and Training Planning Meeting, 1979 - See NCJ-75794)

• NCJ Number: 75796
• Author(s): W R Gove
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Labeling theory is described, its application to the labeling of mentally ill persons in jails is considered, and problems related to mental illness labeling among jail populations are discussed.

Abstract

Labeling theory attempts to explain why some persons are labeled deviant and others are not by examining societal reactions and the reactions of the labelee. Proponents suggest that persons labeled as deviants experience a significant and irremediable socialization process - especially if the person is forced to undergo a degradation ceremony and to become a member of a deviant group. Deviant behavior then results from having been labeled as a deviant rather than from individual action. Labeling theory cannot be applied well to jail populations, because inmates have already been labeled as criminals. This labeling has already impaired their ability to function in the normal world by labeling theory standards. Little is known about the extent of mental illness in jails or about the effect of mental illness labeling on criminals returning to society. In contrast with community situations, a number of persons in jails will be motivated to seek diagnosis and treatment for mental illness, making the diagnosis process more difficult. It is suggested that the psychoemotional crisis experienced by most jail inmates should be used to focus on and stimulate behavioral change.