Empathy Matters: Extend a Helping Hand

Show empathy and understanding to survivors of gaslighting. Your support can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Take the time to listen without judgment, validate their experiences, and offer a helping hand. Let’s create a compassionate community where survivors are validated, heard, and supported.

Validation Heals: Listen and Believe

Validate the experiences of gaslighting survivors by actively listening and believing their stories. Gaslighting often leaves survivors questioning their reality, and your validation can help them regain trust in their own perceptions. By listening and believing, we create a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and begin the healing process.

Be a Safe Space: Foster Environments of Support

Create safe spaces where survivors of gaslighting feel heard, understood, and supported. This includes challenging gaslighting behaviour when we encounter it and fostering environments where empathy and validation are valued. Let’s work together to create a culture where gaslighting behaviour is not tolerated, and survivors are met with compassion and understanding.

Amplify Voices: Stand with Survivors

Raise your voice and advocate for survivors of gaslighting. Share their stories, spread awareness, and encourage empathy within your circles. By amplifying their voices, we contribute to a society that supports and validates survivors’ experiences. Let’s stand together in solidarity and ensure their stories are heard.

Rebuilding Trust: Nurturing Relationships

Gaslighting often erodes trust in relationships. It is essential to prioritize empathy, open communication, and respect to rebuild trust. Foster healthy relationships built on trust, validation, and understanding. By nurturing these relationships, we create a supportive network that promotes healing and growth.

Conclusion

Empathy and validation are crucial components in supporting survivors of gaslighting. By extending a helping hand, actively listening, and believing their experiences, we can create safe spaces where survivors feel heard and understood. Let’s foster environments where gaslighting behaviour is not tolerated and empathy is valued. Together, we can amplify their voices, rebuild trust, and nurture healthy relationships. By fostering compassion and understanding, we create a community that empowers survivors on their healing journey.

The post Empathy and Validation: Creating Supportive Communities for Gaslighting Survivors appeared first on CrimePsych.

You Are Not Alone: Seek Help and Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing gaslighting, it’s essential to reach out for help. Share this post with those who may need it. Helpline numbers and counselling services can provide the support, guidance, and a listening ear you deserve. Take the first step towards healing by seeking help. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

Supportive Communities: Connect with Others Who Understand

Join support groups or online communities where individuals who have experienced gaslighting come together. Connect with others who understand your journey, share insights, and offer support. Together, we can create a safe space for healing, growth, and mutual understanding. Connect with a community that uplifts and supports you.

Knowledge is Empowering: Recommended Books on Gaslighting

Educate yourself about gaslighting and its effects through insightful books. Reading empowering resources can deepen your understanding, provide validation, and offer practical strategies for healing. Here are some recommended books to get you started on your journey to empowerment and knowledge.

Professional Guidance: Counselling Services for Gaslighting Recovery

Seek professional help from therapists or counsellors specializing in gaslighting recovery. They can provide expert guidance, help you process your experiences, and equip you with tools for healing and empowerment. Remember, reaching out for support is a courageous step towards reclaiming your well-being. Professional guidance can be a valuable resource on your path to healing.

Self-Help Tools: Journaling for Reflection and Healing

Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, healing, and processing emotions related to gaslighting. Write down your thoughts, experiences, and insights as you navigate your journey. Expressing yourself through words can provide clarity, release, and a sense of empowerment. Use journaling as a personal tool for reflection and healing.

Conclusion

Navigating the effects of gaslighting can be challenging, but remember, you are not alone. There are resources and support available to guide you on your healing journey. Seek help, connect with supportive communities, educate yourself through recommended books, consider professional guidance, and utilize self-help tools like journaling. Remember, healing is a process, and with the right support and resources, you can reclaim your well-being and empower yourself. You deserve to live a life free from the manipulation of gaslighting.

The post Resources and Support: Navigating Gaslighting with Guidance and Empathy appeared first on CrimePsych.

Empower Yourself: Reclaiming Your Strength after Gaslighting

Gaslighting may have caused you to doubt your worth, but remember, you are strong, resilient, and capable of reclaiming your power. In our first post of this series, we will explore empowering messages and self-care practices that can help you on your healing journey. Together, let’s embrace our inner strength and thrive! #Empowerment #SelfCare

Self-Reflection: Rediscovering Your Authentic Self

Take a moment for self-reflection and reconnect with your true self. Embrace your strengths, values, and passions. Rediscover what brings you joy and fulfilment. Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and rebuilding after gaslighting. In our second post, we will delve into the importance of self-reflection and provide practical tips to help you on your journey of rediscovery. #SelfReflection #AuthenticSelf

Setting Boundaries: Protecting Your Emotional Wellbeing

Establishing clear boundaries is crucial for protecting your emotional well-being. Learn how to assertively communicate your needs and limits. Surround yourself with people who respect and uplift you. Remember, you have the right to create a safe and healthy environment. Our third post will provide insights and strategies for setting boundaries after experiencing gaslighting. #SettingBoundaries #EmotionalWellbeing

Seek Support: Building a Strong Support Network

Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals who understand and validate your experiences. Share your journey, seek guidance, and surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you. Together, we can create a network of strength and healing. Our fourth post will delve into the importance of a strong support network and provide tips on building one. #SupportNetwork #HealingJourney

Self-Care: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Prioritize self-care to restore and nurture your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you peace, joy, and relaxation. Practice mindfulness, engage in hobbies, pamper yourself, or explore new wellness practices. Remember, self-care is an act of self-love and essential for your healing journey. Our fifth post will offer practical self-care tips to enhance your well-being. #SelfCare #Wellness

The post Empowerment and Self-Care: Reclaiming Your Strength and Wellbeing appeared first on CrimePsych.

Cultivating Healthy Communication: The Foundation of Strong Relationships:

Healthy communication is the bedrock of strong relationships. Join us as we embark on a series exploring the key elements of healthy communication. Discover valuable tips and insights to cultivate open dialogue, trust, and understanding. Let’s embark on this journey together to foster healthier connections.

Trust and Transparency: The Pillars of Healthy Communication:

Trust and transparency are essential components of healthy communication. Learn how to build trust within your relationships by practicing openness, honesty, and reliability. Explore strategies to establish a safe space where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued. Strengthen your connections by nurturing trust and transparency.

Validation and Empathy: Nurturing Emotional Connection:

Validation and empathy play a vital role in healthy communication. Explore the power of active listening, empathy, and validation in fostering emotional connection. Discover techniques to create an environment where everyone feels understood, supported, and valued. Cultivate empathy and strengthen your emotional bonds.

Resolving Conflict with Respect: Effective Communication Strategies:

Conflict is a natural part of relationships, but how we handle it can make a significant difference. Learn constructive communication strategies for resolving conflicts respectfully. Explore techniques to express your needs, actively listen, and find mutually beneficial solutions. Strengthen your relationships by fostering respectful communication during times of disagreement.

Celebrating Healthy Communication: Milestones and Growth:

Take a moment to celebrate the milestones in your journey toward healthier communication. Reflect on your growth, improved connections, and strengthened relationships. Remember that communication is a continuous process, and every effort counts. Embrace the joy of fostering lasting, healthy connections through effective communication.

Conclusion:

Healthy communication is a vital aspect of building strong and meaningful relationships. By cultivating open dialogue, trust, and understanding, we can create connections that flourish and thrive. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts where we will delve deeper into the key elements of healthy communication and provide practical strategies for enhancing your communication skills. Let’s celebrate the milestones in our journey toward healthier communication and embrace the power of effective communication in our relationships.

The post Cultivating Healthy Communication: Building Strong and Meaningful Relationships appeared first on CrimePsych.

Understanding the Psychological Effects of Gaslighting:

Gaslighting can profoundly affect victims, undermining their self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental well-being. Join us as we explore the psychological effects of gaslighting and gain insights into its destructive nature. By understanding the impact, you can begin the journey towards healing and empowerment.

Gaslighting and Self-Doubt: Rebuilding Your Confidence:

Gaslighting thrives on creating self-doubt in victims. In this post, we will delve into the connection between gaslighting and self-esteem. Discover practical tips for rebuilding your confidence and trusting your own perceptions once again. Reclaim your self-assuredness and break free from the grips of gaslighting.

Breaking the Chains: Overcoming the Control of Gaslighting:

Gaslighting seeks to control and manipulate its victims. Join us as we explore how gaslighting impacts autonomy and learn powerful strategies to break free from its grip. Reclaim your independence and establish healthy boundaries that protect your well-being. You have the power to take back control of your life.

Gaslighting and Mental Health: Navigating the Confusion:

Gaslighting can lead to confusion, anxiety, and emotional turmoil. Gain insights into the psychological toll of gaslighting on mental health. Discover coping mechanisms, such as therapy, self-care practices, and mindfulness techniques, that can help you navigate the challenges. Prioritize your mental well-being and seek the support you need to heal.

Reclaiming Your Power: Tips for Coping with Gaslighting Effects:

Gaslighting’s effects can be long-lasting, but there is hope for healing and growth. In this post, we will share valuable resources and practical tips to help you cope with the aftermath of gaslighting. Reclaim your power, build resilience, and embrace your authentic self. Together, let’s empower ourselves and create a community that supports survivors of gaslighting.

Conclusion:

Knowledge, support, and empowerment are crucial in navigating the effects of gaslighting. Stay connected with us on our social media platforms as we share insightful posts and resources on gaslighting recovery. Your engagement, comments, and shares play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and supporting others who may be going through similar experiences. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for healing and reclaiming your power. Together, let’s empower ourselves and break free from the shackles of gaslighting.

The post Understanding the Psychological Effects of Gaslighting: Reclaiming Your Power appeared first on CrimePsych.

At Crimepsych, we aim to help you understand the manipulative behaviors and tactics employed by gaslighters, enabling you to trust your instincts and establish healthy boundaries. Let’s dive into the first two red flags.

Gaslighting Red Flag 1: Denial

Gaslighters often deny or invalidate your experiences, making you question your own reality. They might say things like “That never happened” or “You’re just imagining things.” It’s important to remember that your experiences are valid and trust your instincts. Don’t let their denials undermine your perception of reality. Trust yourself and seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals who can validate your experiences.

Gaslighting Red Flag 2: Misdirection

Gaslighters use misdirection to divert your attention and avoid accountability. They might change the subject, bring up unrelated issues, or redirect blame onto you. It’s essential to stay focused on the topic at hand and recognize when the conversation is being manipulated. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked or manipulated into accepting blame for something that isn’t your responsibility. Stay aware and assertive in maintaining the focus on the issue at hand.

By understanding these red flags, you can gain clarity and take proactive steps to protect yourself from gaslighting. We encourage you to engage with our posts by liking, commenting, and sharing to spread awareness and empower others in your network.

Thank you for being an important part of our community. Your engagement and support drive us to continue providing valuable content. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We value your input.

Together, let’s raise awareness, empower one another, and build a community that stands against

The post Gaslighting: Recognizing Manipulative Tactics and Protecting Your Wellbeing appeared first on CrimePsych.

Gaslighting: A Silent Form of Manipulation

Gaslighting is more common than we might think. This manipulative tactic is designed to distort someone’s perception of reality, making them doubt their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It involves subtle or overt behaviors that aim to undermine the victim’s confidence and control over their own life. By raising awareness about gaslighting, we can help others recognize its signs and create a supportive and informed community. Together, we can make a difference in combating gaslighting.

Break the Silence: Gaslighting in Relationships

Gaslighting can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, or even within families. It is characterized by the manipulation of emotions, perceptions, and reality. Gaslighting erodes trust, self-esteem, and autonomy, leaving victims feeling confused and powerless. It’s time to break the silence surrounding this issue and raise awareness about the damaging effects of gaslighting. Together, we can create a culture of healthy and respectful connections.

Gaslighting at Work: Know Your Rights

Gaslighting can also manifest in the workplace, creating a toxic environment that undermines individuals’ confidence and well-being. Gaslighters may use tactics like undermining, manipulating information, or shifting blame to exert control and power over their victims. It is crucial for individuals to know their rights and recognize these behaviors in order to protect themselves. By understanding their rights, individuals can take steps towards creating a healthier and more supportive work environment.

Gaslighting in Family Dynamics: Unmasking the Manipulation

Gaslighting can occur within families, affecting emotional bonds and individual identities. It can be especially challenging when the manipulator is a close family member. By bringing awareness to this issue, we can promote healthier family dynamics and support those who may be experiencing gaslighting within their families. Open dialogue, empathy, and validation are key in fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to express their emotions and regain their autonomy.

Break Free from Gaslighting: Reclaim Your Power

Gaslighting can have a profound impact on one’s mental health and well-being. It is crucial to raise awareness about the effects of gaslighting and empower individuals to break free from its grip. By providing support, resources, and strategies, we can help individuals reclaim their power, rebuild their self-esteem, and establish healthy boundaries. Together, let’s inspire change and create a community that fosters healing and empowerment.

Conclusion

Gaslighting is a pervasive form of manipulation that can have lasting effects on individuals’ lives. By unmasking gaslighting, raising awareness, and providing support, we can empower those who have experienced it to reclaim their power and foster positive change. Stay tuned for the upcoming posts in this series, where we will delve deeper into each aspect of gaslighting and provide valuable advice and insights for overcoming its impact. Together, we can create a world where gaslighting has no place, and individuals can thrive in healthy, supportive relationships.

The post Gaslighting: Unmasking Manipulation and Empowering Change appeared first on CrimePsych.

There have been cases where soldiers returning from combat are suffering PTSD which affects their mental health a great deal. Some are suffering so badly that they go on to commit violent crimes or have psychotic episodes which leads them to commit crimes.

Government statistics from the United States show that veterans form the largest single occupational group within the prison and probation services and that they are more likely to have committed a violent or sexual offence than offenders who have not served in the military.

Other research in this area suggests that some military activities can increase the risk of offending. For example, deploying in a combat role and exposure to trauma during deployment, have been shown to increase the risk of violent offending by military personnel on return. That isn’t to say that all military personnel who experience a traumatic event or serving in a combat role will go on to be violent offenders, it simply increases the risk.

A UK study that of 2,700 men serving in the armed forces under the age of 30, 20.6% had been convicted of a violent offence, compared with 6.7% in the general population. Men who had seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan were 53% more likely to commit a violent offence than those in non-front line roles. And personnel who had multiple experiences of combat had a 70% to 80% greater risk of being convicted of acts of violence.

That particular study states: “More frequent exposure to traumatic events during deployment increased the risk of violent offending. We noted a strong link between PTSD and violent offending. Combat veterans with PTSD and other mental health concerns frequently present with problems of anger and aggression.” However, it also notes that troops who volunteer and are trained for fighting are not chosen randomly.

“In the UK, infantry units have traditionally promoted aggression as a desirable trait and such units frequently recruit individuals who are socially disadvantaged and are likely to have low educational attainment.”

The report goes on to write that the vast majority [83%] of serving and ex-serving UK military personnel do not have any sort of criminal record, and the likelihood of violent behaviour is lower among older veterans [aged over 45] than in the general population.

Of course, PTSD is not limited to those who have served in the armed forces. Those who have a victim of child sexual abuse can also suffer from PTSD. However, it must be noted that being sexually abused does not cause someone to sexually offend and that the majority of those who are sexually abused do not go on to commit abuse.

However, the traumatic events of being a victim appear to have different trajectories for males and females. This is because most victims of child sexual abuse are female, whereas most perpetrators are male.

One study explored these trajectories and identified four factors that may be associated with a boy’s transition from the victim to the offender. They argue that these four factors share a common theme, that is, that they represent experiences of power (for the abuser) and powerlessness (for the victim).

There is a common misconception that being sexually abused ‘causes’ a boy to become sexually abusive. As a result, many men who have suffered sexual abuse are faced with an often overwhelming fear of ‘becoming a perpetrator.’

There are a range of factors that have been identified as being linked to sexual offending, and there are disputes amongst researchers as to which of these is most significant. However, I don’t believe it is at all helpful to examine gender roles within sexual offending. There is a danger of the characterising all men as perpetrators and all women as victims. If we examine the characteristics of male perpetrators, traits will be linked to all men.

Research over the past 40 years has identified a number of risk factors that can contribute to the likelihood of a person committing sexual offences. Compared to the general population, adults who commit sexual offences against children tend to:

• Show greater aggression and violence, non-violent criminality, anger/hostility, substance abuse, paranoia/mistrust, and have diagnosable antisocial personality disorders.
• Be more likely to show anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and external locus of control (i.e. feel that they are not in control of, or responsible for, their own actions).
• Generally have more problematic sexual patterns (including fantasies and sexualised coping strategies).
• Have low social skill/competence, report more feelings of loneliness, more difficulties with intimate relationships, and lack of secure attachment.
• Have poorer histories of family functioning, including more harsh discipline, poorer attachment or bonding, and generally worse functioning of their family of origin, including physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
• Express more tolerant attitudes to child sexual abuse and minimize the perpetrator’s culpability.

In conclusion, then, we should be examining how we can support the mental health of those who have experienced traumatic events. This would reduce the risk of PSTD forming. If we focused more funding on supporting mental health, other services such as police and the judicial system would receive fewer cases.

The post PTSD and offending – when the victim becomes the offender. appeared first on CrimePsych.

Witnessing a crime can be a distressing event for some people, especially if it is violent or involves a weapon. Plus, psychological studies into memory show that we recall different types of information in different ways and this can cause inaccuracies and biases. People can make mistakes when trying to remember specific pieces of information. It is possible to remember whole events that did not happen.

The person who witnessed the event is likely to be interviewed several times. They can be interviewed by police, prosecution lawyers, def3ence lawyers at various times throughout the investigation. Sometimes these interviews can be conducted several months after the original event. Eyewitness accounts are often seen as very valuable by police officers and juries. However, the quality and quantity of information a person recalls can be greatly affected by several psychological factors.

Numerous studies show how inaccurate eyewitness testimony can be. Any mistakes that they eyewitnesses make will lead to a wrongful conviction. One particular study by Garrett (2011) found that some people were exonerated after their conviction because of DNA evidence. One-third of those convicted had been found guilty based on the evidence of eyewitness testimony alone.

There are several high profile cases where victims of crime have incorrectly identified the culprit. For example, Ronald Cotton was convicted of rape and sentenced to life imprisonment. DNA evidence proved that he was not the perpetrator and was released. Thankfully, the real rapist was then found. However, the testimony from the victim, Jennifer Thompson, caused an innocent man to spend 10 years behind bars.

We have developed a very good understanding of how people construct and recall memory. This has led to improvements in interviewing and gathering information from eyewitnesses. These changes have drastically reduced the number of errors that people make when recalling information.

One of the leading pioneers into the psychology of eyewitness testimony is Elizabeth Loftus. In one of her earliest studies she found that by giving people misinformation, they were able to change the memories people recalled. In their study, students watched a small red car hit a pedestrian. They were then asked misleading questions such as ‘how fast was the car travelling when it went through the give way sign?’ (it was a stop sign). Others were asked about the stop sign. When they were late presented with two pictures, one containing a give way sign and the other a stop sign, students who were misled were more likely to choose the picture with the give way sign. This and many other studies have shown it is possible to change a person’s memory by giving them misleading information.

Other aspects such as social conformity can affect the accuracy of the information that eyewitnesses recall. Some studies have been designed so that a group watch a video and then discuss the information contained in it. The majority of participants in the group were fake and only a few genuine participants. It was found that when the fake members of the group said that something occurred, the genuine participants agreed and also said that it had. Therefore, it is possible to change our memory of events to ‘fit in’ with other people’s accounts.

There is also a phenomenon known as ‘schema’ which is based on what we would normally expect to find or come across in various contexts. For example, we would expect to come across shelves and books at a library and therefore we do not put any effort into remembering the details of these. Our attention would be directed towards other aspects of the scene. We have a limited ability to take in all of the information in our surroundings and so tend to use a set of ‘short cuts’.

We can create memories in our mind that we can 100% believe are genuine but have never happened. We can also completely forget about other things that have happened. Sometimes a victim of a violent crime can completely forget that the crime occurred, this is called a repressed memory. Often, these memories are not recalled until years after the original event.

When the police are interviewing a suspect, they can create false memories. This was proven in a major study by Crombag and colleagues (1996). They conducted a study about details of a crash involving a Boeing 747 into a residential area of Amsterdam. At the time the news incident was being reported, there were no pictures or video of the crash available. However, when participants were interviewed they were misled into thinking they had seen such images. Their recollection included details that they could not have seen.

Some eyewitnesses can be very confident about the information that they are recalling and others can be very unsure. Several studies have found that confidence is not linked to accuracy. Just because a person is very confident in what they are saying does not mean it is more likely to be true. Similarly, just because someone is unsure whether or not they are recalling things accurately doesn’t mean it is unreliable.

It is not all bad news when it comes to eyewitness testimony though. We do know that certain kinds of information can be accurately recalled. Things such as gender, eye shape, face shape, and hair colour are usually highly accurate. The timing of recalling the information is also of great importance. The sooner the information is recalled and collected, the more accurate it is likely to be.

When eyewitnesses are asked to pick the offender out of an identity parade, they may feel pressured to pick a person out even though they may not be 100% sure they have chosen the correct suspect. They may pick someone out because they assume the offender must be in the line-up.

By putting in stringent frameworks it is possible to reduce the number of incorrect identifications. Several procedures have been put into everyday practice by police to reduce the possibility of incorrect identification of a suspect. Measures, such as the officer not knowing who the suspect is so as not to influence the witness, the witness being told the offender may not be in the line-up, having similar looking people used in lineups, and no feedback to be given to the witness, can all help to reduce inaccurate information by eyewitnesses.

Both the quantity and quality of information drawn out from witnesses and suspects is of great importance. Therefore, a comprehensive semi-structured interview technique has been proven to improve the quantity and quality of information from both suspects and eyewitnesses. The Cognitive Interview is grounded within psychology and contains several important factors within an interview: establish rapport; listen actively; encourage spontaneous recall; ask open-ended questions; pause after responses; avoid interrupting; request detailed descriptions; encourage intense concentration; encourage the use of imagery; recreate the original context; adopt the rememberers perspective; ask compatible questions and encourage multiple retrieval attempts.

In an attempt to make this simpler so it could be adopted into everyday policing practices, the PEACE interview was developed. PEACE is an acronym where all of the letters stand for something to be done. This summarizes the main components of the cognitive interview to Planning and preparation; Engage and explain the purpose of interview and process; Account – free recall; Clarify challenge and conclude; Evaluate – and new lines of enquiry. By using these principles during an interview, both the quantity and quality of information is enhanced.

In conclusion, several factors can affect the quality and quantity of information that people remember. It is possible to ask questions in a way that can create false memories. Therefore, stringent and well-regulated frameworks are put into practice to avoid this happening.

The post Eyewitness testimony appeared first on CrimePsych.

The World Health Organisation’s Health In Prisons Program (HIPP) was established in 1995 is to support Member States in improving public health by addressing health and health care in prisons, and to facilitate the links between prison health and public health systems at both national and international levels. HIPP has since developed into an international movement to promote health in prison settings.

HIPP’s main activity is to give technical advice to Member States on the development of prison health systems and their links with public health systems and technical issues related to communicable diseases (especially HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and tuberculosis), illicit drug use (including substitution therapy and harm reduction) and mental health.

HIPP aims:

• to encourage cooperation and establish integrated work between public health systems, international nongovernmental organizations and prison health systems to promote public health and reduce health inequalities;
• to encourage prisons to operate within the widely recognized international codes of human rights and medical ethics in providing services for prisoners;
• to help reduce reoffending by encouraging prison health services to contribute fully to each prisoner’s rehabilitation, especially but not exclusively concerning drug addiction and mental health problems;
• to reduce prisoners’ exposure to communicable diseases, thereby preventing prisons’ becoming focal points of infection; and
• to encourage all prison health services, including health promotion services, to reach standards equivalent to those in the wider community.

Whilst this sounds perfectly reasonable on paper, it is rarely delivered to this standard. 70% of people who died from self-inflicted means whilst in prison had already been identified as having mental health needs. However, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) found that concerns about mental health problems had only been flagged on entry to the prison for just over half of these people. Self-inflicted deaths are 8.6 times more likely in prison than in the general population.

Prison needs to be a careful balance between punishment and rehabilitation. However, the structure has not changed much in modern times. The WHO agrees with the prison reform trust that prison should provide an opportunity for personal development, without harming self or others. However, self-inflicted deaths are much more likely in prison compared to outside.

In thinking about the functions of prisons in the 21st century, it’s useful to identify the problems that contribute to offending, and then think about how imprisonment relates to them. Many people in prison have hurt other people, and what follows is not intended to excuse that behaviour in any way. Much of the evidence about the damage caused by prisons is focused on offenders, and not on their families or prison staff. Yet, prison staff are also affected by many of the same problems, including stigma, a risk to personal safety, and poor working conditions. Prison Reform Trust researchers have found that the vast majority of staff are dedicated professionals, who struggle, against the odds, to work with prisoners.

Knowledge about the ways imprisonment routinely harms people should be a cause for concern for anyone who aims to reduce reoffending. Because of the way prisons operate, even the best are likely to contribute to the loss of housing, the break-up of families and social support networks, and long term unemployment.

The psychological effects of imprisonment go beyond the offender. Families and loved ones often feel the strain of reduced contact, social isolation and financial hardship. One of the main concerns of prisons should be to support offenders to reform and make better choices in life. I order to do this, it is necessary to understand why people might offend in the first place. The reconviction rate for people coming out of prison with one previous prison sentence is 41%. For those with four previous prison sentences, the reconviction rate is 57%. And those with six to ten previous experiences of prison are reconvicted at a rate of 65% (MoJ, Table A9, page 30). Therefore, more needs to be done to support and rehabilitate offenders rather than focus solely on punishment.

Many of those who are incarcerated have experienced neglect or abuse during childhood. When women are separated from their families because they have offended, it may evoke guilt and depression, and memories of their childhood neglect. It does not make sense to take people who have experienced abusive relationships as children and send them to places that inevitably destabilise any relationships they may have built up. Yet, proximity to home is a low priority for the Prison Service. And for everyone, prisons limit access to families. Even telephone calls are restricted to certain times, and at exorbitant rates negotiated with BT. Social isolation makes it more difficult for the person to interact with others on release. Social isolation can also increase the risk of reoffending.

Theft, drug-dealing, and robbery are also far more widespread than outside. The risks prisoners must live with creates trauma and stress which affect prisoners and prison staff.

There is also a risk of violence and intimidation. This can make prisoners and staff feel more stressed and may lead to staff sicknesses.  However, in contrast, the pressure on prison governors is to reduce staff numbers, which further undermines their ability to prevent violence.

High-risk environments such as these influences people’s attitudes towards violence. A US study concluded that prisoners come to “believe that unless an inmate can convincingly project an image that conveys the potential for violence, he is likely to be dominated and exploited throughout the duration of his sentence” (McCorkle, cited in Haney, 2001).

The Chief Inspector of Prisons stated, “There is nothing worse for the mental well-being of those who find it difficult to cope with life in prison than being idle” (HMCIP, 1999: 62). Engaging in activities that are genuinely productive and experienced as meaningful can help prisoners to feel that their time inside has purpose. However, such opportunities exist for a small minority. The lack of meaningful activity is not evenly distributed. It is even more restricted under the current conditions of social isolation during the pandemic.

As a nation, I believe we are facing one of the most challenging and psychologically demanding times. This is even more marked for the current UK prison population. Many are being locked in their cells for 23 hours per day with no social interaction. There is a danger that these prisoners will not emerge as well-adjusted individuals who can contribute in a meaningful way to society.

The continuous caused by social isolation, lack of meaningful activity or contribution within their surroundings, and stress caused by the increase in violence and lack of long-term hope may well cause instances of post-traumatic stress disorder. Stress affects people mentally, physically and cognitively, with results ranging from psychological exhaustion and burnout. Watch my recent telephone interview with a current UK prisoner about what current conditions are like. https://youtu.be/UtMb-AbXWT0

This will have significant consequences for the long-term future of society and prison life. It is an issue that should be addressed and dealt with now.

http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/WhatWeDo/Projectsresearch/Mentalhealth

http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/uploads/documents/Mentalhealthsmall.pdf

https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/07/13/research-into-the-mental-health-of-prisoners-digested/

The post The psychological effects of prison appeared first on CrimePsych.