The relationship of social contacts with prisoners' mental health: a systematic review

• Published in: Public health (London) Vol. 234; pp. 199 - 216
• Main Authors: Machado, N., Abreo, L., Petkari, E., Pinto da Costa, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Humans; Loneliness; Loneliness - psychology; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - epidemiology; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Health - statistics & numerical data; Prison; Prisoners; Prisoners - psychology; Prisoners - statistics & numerical data; Social relationships; Social Support; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - epidemiology; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology; Prison; Social relationships; Loneliness; Mental disorders; Prisoners; Social support
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.06.013
• ISSN: 0033-3506; 1476-5616

Prisoners' common mental disorders (CMDs) and their social contacts are a complex and significant concern. We have systematically investigated the relationship between social contacts (i.e. perceived, and objective social support, and loneliness) and prisoners' mental health. This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023372942). A search strategy was applied across four databases (namely MEDLINE [via OVID SP], APA PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science). The quality assessment entailed the critical appraisal skills program (CASP) Checklist for cohort studies. The data were presented through a narrative synthesis. After screening, 32 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Most were cross-sectional (k = 27), while five had a longitudinal design. The total number of study participants was 10,613. The majority of the studies reported negative correlations between perceived and objective social support and symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs), specifically, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The included studies appeared to indicate a correlation between loneliness and PTSD symptoms. The lack of social support was linked to the development or exacerbation of CMDs in prisoners. Initiatives, such as reducing visitation barriers and providing access to technology for remote communication, can assist prisoners in strengthening their support systems and enhancing their opportunities for reintegration into society.