Prison Experiences and Psychological Distress among Older Inmates. Issue 3 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baidawi, Susan; Trotter, Christopher; Flynn, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Journal of gerontological social work. Volume 59:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 252
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: aging prisoners -- older prisoners -- prison programs -- psychological distress -- victimization; Social work with older people -- United States -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2016.1197353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4372

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates relationships between older prisoners' social experiences and their levels of distress. One hundred and seventy-three older prisoners (aged ≥ 50 years) from 8 Australian prisons were administered the Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) Scale, with additional information collected via individual interviews. Psychological distress scores were significantly associated with measures of self-reported safety ( p < .001), prison victimization ( p < .05), perceived social support from staff ( p < .01) and inmates ( p < .001), current employment ( p < .05), and level of exercise ( p < .001) among older inmates. Findings suggest that strategies for improving sense of safety, social support and level of exercise may ameliorate distress among older prisoners.