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Most undertrials, convicts suffer from depression: Study

The study further revealed that the undertrials were more depressed than that of convicts and belonged to criteria of severe depression

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Inmates of Sabarmati central jail and Varanasi jail have been found living under depression. In most of the cases, suicidal tendencies were also found in many, revealed a study conducted by a team of experts from Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in Gandhinagar. The study further revealed that the undertrials were more depressed than that of convicts and belonged to criteria of severe depression.

The research on 'Suicidal ideation, depression found among undertrials, convicted prisoners' was conducted by a forensic psychology student Kanishka under the guidance of Dr Priyanka Kacker, Assistant Professor, Institute of Behavioural Science, GFSU.

This research was aimed to study the level of depression, hopelessness and suicidal ideation in the prisoners both undertrials and convicts of Sabarmati and Varanasi central jail.

"Prisoners are generally considered as the social outcasts of the society. Incarceration of an individual comes with a lot of physical, emotional and mental turmoil for them. Prison adjustment, lack of speedy trials, overcrowding, inmate-inmate conflicts, lack of proper sanitation facilities, authoritarian nature of prisoners and many others are some of the main precipitating factors. Those who are not able to cope with incarceration generally fall in the trap of depression, poor self-esteem, feelings of guilt and hopelessness which eventually at a time leads to prison suicides. In the present time, prison suicides are a blot on the whole prison system," Dr Priyanka said.

As part of the research, the team conducted in-depth interviews with a total of 100 inmates. "Prison suicide is a complex phenomenon which is to be best understood by an assessment of individual psychosocial factors. Through this study, we found high scores of depression in both undertrials as well as convicts. Hopelessness was found to be in a relationship with the suicidal ideation of the prisoners. Lack of psychological support by mental professionals and their non-availability in the prisons was an issue", added Priyanka.

The study concludes with a recommendation on creating rehabilitation models and policies for Indian prisons with a focus on mental health. It also suggested an interstate comparison of the mental and physical health of prisoners.

MAJOR FINDINGS

  • Undertrials were more depressed than that of convicts. Undertrials belong to the criteria of severe depression while convicts belong to moderate depression.
     
  • Mild hopelessness was found in both convicts and undertrials.
     
  • Time and type of punishment was found in association with prisoners hopelessness and suicidal ideation levels

WHAT CAN BE DONE

  • Interstate comparisons of the mental and physical health of prisons should be done
     
  • Board of visitors to be established by every jail
     
  • Surprise visits to prisons should be done
     
  • Rehabilitation projects should be started in central jails
     
  • More appointments of mental health and medical professionals to be done in prisons
     
  • Attention needs to be paid to the general prison environment
     
  • Training programme for correctional staff and caregivers to help them recognize suicidal inmates and appropriately respond to inmates in suicidal crises
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