The Deterioration of Mental Health in U.S. Prisons
In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 18 empirical studies from 2013 to 2025 to summarize how the United States prison system has practices that foster the deterioration of mental health within inmates. Prisons have been around since the 18th century and have been changing in the ways in which standards and practices are occurring. Researchers have found many correlations between poor mental health and poor nutrition, solitary confinement, and health inequity within prisons. Furthermore, there have not only been impacts to inmate safety and mental health, but to staff and personel as well due to the same practices occurring in prisons. A limitation of the research conducted was that the majority of participants were former inmates giving insight from their past experiences, and there were not many studies where there was information on inmates who actively live in facilities. Additionally, some of the studies failed to offer clear and concise conclusions due to the varying number of prisons to be studied across the U.S. With continued research in more facilities and a wider range of participants, we will better understand the specific factors of the deterioration of mental health in U.S. prisons.
PSY 499, Senior Capstone
Erin Mueller
Siefke 100
2 – 2:30 PM