Disorderly Behavior: Mental Disorder and Misconduct in Prison

• In Event: Mental Health among Incarcerated Populations

Abstract

In light of the increasing numbers of individuals with mental disorders that are entering the corrections system, it is necessary for corrections administrators and staff to understand the unique ways in which mental disorder can affect an inmate’s behavior. Previous research in this area has consistently shown that inmates with mental disorders are more likely to engage in institutional misconduct than those without (Toch and Adams 1989; Adams 1986; Felson et al. 2012). This paper uses a quantitative approach to add to the existing body of knowledge a more specific examination of the relationship between prevalent mental disorders and disciplinary violations in the Arkansas state prison population. The current study begins by determining prevalence rates for mental disorders in the prison system. Focusing on those disorders that are most prevalent amongst the inmate population, this paper will conduct a symptomatic analysis of the types of misconduct inmates with prevalent mental disorders are most often involved in. The results of this study serve to inform future corrections training development aimed at a greater awareness of behavioral manifestations and symptoms associated with mental disorders that are most prevalent in the inmate population.

Author

• Jacob Michael Laan, University of Arkansas at Little Rock