Does PTSD predict institutional violence within a UK male prison population?
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-12-2017-0055 |
| Pages | 229-238 |
| Date | 12 November 2018 |
| Published date | 12 November 2018 |
| Author | Kirsten McCallum |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
Does PTSD predict institutional violence
within a UK male prison population?
Kirsten McCallum
Abstract
Purpose –Given the amount of research examining the association between trauma and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) with aggression and violence, few studies have focussed on a UK prison population.
Additionally, few have examined the relationship between PTSD symptoms, aggression and violence
perpetrated in custody. The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between PTSD and violence
against the person in prison, and the association between PTSD and having a conviction for violence against
the person.
Design/methodology/approach –The sampleconsisted of 110 participantsfrom a male prison in England
(youngoffenders and adult prisoners).They were assessedfor PTSD symptomsusing the Detailed Assessment
of PosttraumaticStress (DAPS; Briere, 2001), their criminal historyand custodial behaviour was analysed.
Findings –The findings revealed that symptoms of PTSD were significantly associated with violence in
prison, however, symptoms of PTSD were not found to be significantly associated with having a violent
conviction. Further analysis using logistic regression found having a violent conviction, age and PTSD
symptoms were significant predictors of violence in prison.
Research limitations/implications –The limitations of this study are the reliance on a self-report measure
to assess symptoms of PTSD, the small sample size and the absence of a control group.
Practical implications –The results highlighted the need for staff training and the availability of a service to
assess and treat PTSD. This would increase the well-being of offenders and support the current HM Prison
Service violence reduction strategies.
Originality/value –This study provides new research into the UK prison population.
Keywords Violence, Prison, Trauma, PTSD, Male offenders, DAPS
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Violence is an ongoing issue within UK prisons and continues to rise. In the 12 months to September
2016 prison assaults against staff and prisoners increased from the previous year to 25,049
incidents, making it the highest on record (Ministry of Justice, 2017). Mental health and associated
disorders is one possible explanation for this increase. The prison environment may exacerbate
some mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prisoners are faced with an
increased threat of violence which may trigger internal trauma responses such as aggression, and
high levels of arousal. This can put staff and prisoners in danger (Freedman and Hemenway, 2005).
The restriction of movement and discipline from authority figures in prison settings can also trigger
trauma-related behaviours and symptoms that can be difficult to manage (Owens et al., 2008).
PTSD can be defined as a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced,
or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act,
war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault. It is a debilitating mental disorder which
affects both males and females. A large amount of the existing research focuses on examining
the association between trauma and violence, rather than PTSD. It is well documented in the
literature that a high number of individuals in a forensic setting have been severely victimised
(Spitzer et al., 2006), or experienced some form of trauma (Becker and Kerig, 2011; Cook
et al., 2005; Martin et al., 2015; Saltzman et al., 2001).
Received 12 December 2017
Revised 17 April 2018
21 April 2018
22 July 2018
Accepted 22 July 2018
Kirsten McCallum is based at
the Psychology Department,
HMP/YOI Isis, London, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-12-2017-0055 VOL. 20 NO. 4 2018, pp. 229-238, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
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JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
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