Some of our current projects:
Individuals With Mental Illness’ Incarceration Trauma Experiences: A Qualitative Exploration
This study explores the viewpoints of 30 previously incarcerated individuals with mental illness on incarceration trauma and potential ways to reduce traumatic experiences that occur within the corrections system. Results point to desired changes at the systematic and individual personnel levels, including advocacy, training, and mental health and transition services.
Traumatizing experiences are common within the criminal justice system, and incarceration-related trauma may differentially impact individuals with mental illness. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how trauma is experienced among formerly incarcerated individuals with mental illness and provide avenues to reduce incarceration-related trauma. Participants (n = 30) were community-dwelling individuals who self-identified as having a mental illness and being formerly incarcerated. Eighteen (out of 30) participants met the criteria for incarceration-related PTSD as measured by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and semi-structured interviews, although only 6 participants reported ever being diagnosed with PTSD. Participants were interviewed and responses were categorized into themes and subthemes relating to: 1) participants' experiences of trauma during incarceration and 2) suggestions to address incarceration-related trauma and mental health. Participants described exposure to violence, loss of autonomy, subpar mental health care, bullying, social environment, uncertainty, poor living conditions, isolation, and humiliation among their traumatizing experiences. Participants viewed traumatic experiences in an expansive way and identified several ways in which individual counseling services may address their comprehensive mental health needs. In addition, they expressed desires for more vocational and educational programming, personal advocates, healthcare staff, improved medication services, peer services, and religious support. Participants also made suggestions in the area of preventative services, systemic changes, and during the transition to the community. Counselors should also understand how intersectionality and historic inequality may result in disproportionate harm to individuals with mental illness who are from communities of color.