Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Women in Jail

• NCJ Number: 198955
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2003 Pages: 65-81
• Author(s): Devon R. Charles; Karen M. Abram; Gary M. McClelland; Linda A. Teplin
• Date Published: February 2003
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01-MH45583; R01-MH47994
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the rates and patterns of suicide ideation and behavior among women in jail.

Abstract

Most research on suicide in jails has focused on completed suicides and has relied on institutional records. Among the risk factors that are over-represented in jail populations are history of previous suicidality, troubled childhood environments, psychiatric disorders, and history of abuse. Detained women have higher rates of many risk factors for suicide and may be at higher risk for suicide than detained men. No study to date has assessed suicide risk among women in jail. A randomly selected 1,418 female arrestees were interviewed from 1991 through 1993. Suicide ideation and behavior were assessed using four questions involving thoughts about death, wanting to die, thoughts on committing suicide, and suicide attempts. More than 50 percent of the sample reported one or more of the following critical risk factors: thoughts of death, wanting to die, thoughts of suicide, and previous suicide attempts. More than 33 percent reported two or more risk factors, more than 20 percent reported three or more risk factors, and more than 10 percent reported all four risk factors. Twenty percent reported at least one prior suicide attempt, one of the strongest predictors of subsequent suicide. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviors among detained women is much higher than general population rates. Significantly more non-Hispanic whites reported suicidal ideation and behavior than African-Americans. Non-Hispanic white detainees had higher rates of psychiatric disorder than minorities. Significantly more Hispanic detainees reported a history of suicide attempts than African-American detainees. Level of education was related to suicidal behavior among female detainees. The high rates of suicidal ideation and behavior among women in jail suggest that screening is critical. Correctional officers, probation officers, and others that come in contact with detainees should be aware of the risk for suicide throughout jail stays. Women at risk should be under close and therapeutic supervision and, after release, be linked to services in the community. 4 tables, 59 references