Grant: Operating Grant

Rates of mental illness are high among incarcerated populations. This research will explore rates of change in mental health problems over the first year of incarceration among prisoners serving sentences of two years or longer. We will explore factors and events that occur during imprisonment that may lead to either improved or deteriorating mental health. We will also consider individual characteristics and experiences prior to incarceration to identify vulnerable sub-groups of prisoners for mental health issues. We will look at the relationship between mental health and engaging in institutional incidents such as rule breaking, assaulting other inmates or staff and self-injurious and suicidal behaviour. This research will lead to an increased understanding of factors that contribute to positive and negative mental health, and inform strategies to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of mental illness among prison populations.