NCJ Number
146526
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 55 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 22,24,26,28
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The difficult behavior of inmates in a prison mental health unit make work in these units difficult for correctional personnel, who need to recognize the nature and sources of their own attitudes and inmates' behavior.
Abstract
Inmates with personality disorders and mental illnesses often lack connections with family and friends. In the mental health unit, they often harass, threaten, and abuse the staff. As a result, correctional personnel may want to sever responsive relationships from inmates. However, they must recognize that being demanding, complaining, and relentless is a way for inmates to be self-protective. They do not have to relate to others in a relationship that involves normal give and take. In addition, the responses of correctional personnel may reflect past experiences of being hurt or used by others, rather than the needs of the inmates. However, correctional personnel who react in a punishing manner cause further harm to the inmate, who may respond with violence or complete rejection. For both correctional personnel and inmates, being in a hostile, combative relationship may feel better than being completely alone.