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Measuring the uniquely painful incarceration experiences of LGB+ and trans people and the implications for mental health

Author

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  • Morgan, Skyler
  • Freemon, Kayla
  • Montes, Andrea N.
  • Cochran, Joshua C.

Abstract

Understanding the uniquely painful incarceration experiences for LGB+ and transgender people is important because it can inform theory, research, and policy aimed at reducing harms. The current study expands upon Sykes' pains of imprisonment framework to compare the incarceration experiences of LGB+ and heterosexual people and, separately, the experiences of transgender and cisgender people. We use the National Inmate Survey, a nationally representative survey, to identify the pains more likely to be experienced by LGB+ and trans people and the impact these pains have on serious psychological distress. We find that LGB+ and trans people report experiencing more pains of imprisonment, including a hostile institutional environment, solitary confinement placements, lack of social support, and sexual victimization from other incarcerated people and staff. The analyses reveal limited social support to be a key factor predicting serious psychological distress for LGB+ incarcerated people. The findings demonstrate a need for more research examining the experiences of LGB+ and trans people in carceral settings and the urgency for policy that provides social and mental health support.

Suggested Citation

  • Morgan, Skyler & Freemon, Kayla & Montes, Andrea N. & Cochran, Joshua C., 2025. "Measuring the uniquely painful incarceration experiences of LGB+ and trans people and the implications for mental health," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:101:y:2025:i:c:s0047235225001795
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102530
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mustanski, B. & Andrews, R. & Puckett, J.A., 2016. "The effects of cumulative victimization on mental health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescents and young adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(3), pages 527-533.
    2. Harvey, Tyler D. & Keene, Danya E. & Pachankis, John E., 2021. "Minority stress, psychosocial health, and survival among gay and bisexual men before, during, and after incarceration," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    3. Meyer, I.H. & Flores, A.R. & Stemple, L. & Romero, A.P. & Wilson, B.D.M. & Herman, J.L., 2017. "Incarceration rates and traits of sexual minorities in the United States: National inmate survey, 2011-2012," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(2), pages 267-273.
    4. Gráinne Donohue & Edward McCann & Michael Brown, 2021. "Views and Experiences of LGBTQ+ People in Prison Regarding Their Psychosocial Needs: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Research Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-17, September.
    5. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303576_0 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Ben Laws, 2021. "Segregation Seekers: an Alternative Perspective on the Solitary Confinement Debate [‘Fortress UK? Gated Communities, the Spatial Revolt of the Elites and Time–Space Trajectories of Segregation’]," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 61(6), pages 1452-1468.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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