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Mental Health in Prison: Integrating the Perspectives of Prison Staff

Author

Listed:
  • Ines Testoni

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
    Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel)

  • Irene Nencioni

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Maibrit Arbien

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Erika Iacona

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Francesca Marrella

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Vittoria Gorzegno

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Cristina Selmi

    (Local Office of External Criminal Execution, 35100 Padova, Italy
    Local Office of External Criminal Execution, 45100 Rovigo, Italy)

  • Francesca Vianello

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Alfonso Nava

    (Due Palazzi Prison of Padova, Via Due Palazzi, 25/a, 35136 Padova, Italy)

  • Adriano Zamperini

    (Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Michael Alexander Wieser

    (Department of Psychology, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria)

Abstract

(1) Background: The Italian Constitutional Court’s decision n. 99/2019 abolished the distinction between physical and psychological health care in the Italian prison system. However, this and other changes to the penitentiary system present challenges to prison staff, which may vary based on their roles and backgrounds; (2) Purpose: To create a process of dialogue and collaboration that include different points of view, needs, and proposals regarding mental health in prisons, this study collects and integrates the perspectives of 91 prison staff who work in various capacities in eight prisons in northeast Italy. (3) Methods: Each participant was involved in either a focus group or a semi-structured interview, and thematic analysis was used to process the resulting transcripts; (3) Results: Through this process, 10 themes were derived that highlight the difficulties of working with prisoners with psychiatric disorders or psychological distress, including lack of human and economic resources, lack of positive communication between prisoners and society and a sense of professional incompetency; (4) Conclusions: Based on these themes, the need for increased points of view, dialogue, and collaboration between prison professionals and between prison and society is discussed, and the current feasibility of treating psychiatric disorders in prison is considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Ines Testoni & Irene Nencioni & Maibrit Arbien & Erika Iacona & Francesca Marrella & Vittoria Gorzegno & Cristina Selmi & Francesca Vianello & Alfonso Nava & Adriano Zamperini & Michael Alexander Wies, 2021. "Mental Health in Prison: Integrating the Perspectives of Prison Staff," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11254-:d:665408
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giulia D’Aurizio & Angelica Caldarola & Marianna Ninniri & Marialucia Avvantaggiato & Giuseppe Curcio, 2020. "Sleep Quality and Psychological Status in a Group of Italian Prisoners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
    2. Gatherer, A. & Moller, L. & Hayton, P., 2005. "The World Health Organization European health in prisons project after 10 years: Persistent barriers and achievements," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(10), pages 1696-1700.
    3. Ines Testoni & Irene Nencioni & Lucia Ronconi & Francesca Alemanno & Adriano Zamperini, 2020. "Burnout, Reasons for Living and Dehumanisation among Italian Penitentiary Police Officers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Cornwall, Andrea & Jewkes, Rachel, 1995. "What is participatory research?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 41(12), pages 1667-1676, December.
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