NCJ Number
234104
Date Published
2009
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This first National Survey of Self-Injurious Behaviors in Prison estimates their prevalence, explains such behavior in prisons, examines the impact of self-injury on the prison system, and identifies the procedures in place for preventing and responding to self-injury.
Abstract
"Self-injurious behaviors" are defined as "the deliberate destruction or alteration of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent" (Favazza, 1989, p.137). Within incarcerated populations, the typical manifestation of self-injury involves inmates cutting themselves with or without an object or inserting objects into their bodies. Some inmates have self-injured for many years and have comorbidity with psychological disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder. The findings of this survey (230 questionnaires representing data for 473 facilities) indicate that self-injury by inmates is a problem facing the majority of prisons and their professional staff. Respondents indicated that typical manifestation of self-injury include scratching with an object and cutting with an object, with both occurring in over 94 percent of the facilities. Just over 91 percent of respondents reported having some type of procedure for preventing or responding to inmate self-injury. These procedures varied by institution. Assessments at intake followed by therapeutic treatments were the strategies most favored by prison facilities. The research team found that the mental health professionals who responded to the questionnaire were proficient and enthusiastic about this topic. This suggests that further research and collaborations leading to evidence-based interventions would be welcome. 9 tables, 6 references, and a list of questions used in the survey instrument