NCJ Number
231771
Journal
The Prison Journal Volume: 90 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2010 Pages: 288-312
Date Published
September 2010
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the experiences of inmates who engaged in serious suicide attempts in the Oregon prison system.
Abstract
Suicide is an important cause of death in prisons across the United States. Existing research on prison suicides has been criticized for focusing on static variables such as demographics. The purpose of the present investigation was to study dynamic variables by examining the experiences of 24 inmates who attempted suicide in prison. Inmates were interviewed in six state prison facilities in Oregon. The results were organized into three categories: mental health issues, relationship issues, and prison factors. The themes and subthemes of each category are illustrated with quotes, and results are discussed in light of relevant literature. Tables and references