NCJ Number
184120
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 31 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 127-142
Date Published
2000
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Data from 187 male inmates in a maximum-security male prison in Western Australia provided information on the degree to which prisoners are likely to approach correctional officers for practical assistance and emotional support and to explore what factors affect the likelihood of seeking support.
Abstract
Obtaining social support is an important aspect of managing stress. The unit management model includes supportive assistance from prison officers, as well as access to other sources of support. However, officers’ capacity to fulfill these aspects of their duties relies partly on inmates’ willingness to approach officers for support. Results from the 187 inmates indicated that they would rarely approach prison officers for support, although their willingness varied according to the type of problem encountered. Prisoners reported a greater willingness to seek practical help than emotional support from prison officers. Prisoners who reported a history of self-harm did not differ from those who did not. Findings suggested that if prisoners’ only access to support is through prison officers, those in need are reluctant to seek help. Moreover, if efforts to identify prisoners at risk of self-harm rely on prisoners’ self-disclosure, these efforts will not be effective. Tables, figure, appended instrument, and 23 references (Author abstract modified)