The Effect of Aging and Mental Health on Misconduct in American Prisons

• In Event: Youth, Elders & Aging Behind Bars: International Perspectives

Abstract

Scholars have examined and identified numerous correlates of misconduct behind bars, including personal characteristics such as age and mental health status. During the era of mass incarceration in the United States, two populations that have become an increasing concern from a prison order and management perspective in American prisons include the aging population and persons with mental illness (PWMI). Despite a breadth of evidence showing both age and mental health status to influence prison misconduct independently, research has yet to examine if a nonlinear relationship exists between age and mental health status in their influence on misconduct. This is timely and of interest given recent research demonstrating that individuals with co-occurring physical and mental health problems are more likely to engage in misconduct, both of which are likely to occur in the aging population behind bars. Accordingly, the aim of the current study is to explore the potential curvilinear nature of the relationship between age and mental health status and its influence on prison misconduct among a nationally representative sample of persons incarcerated in state prisons in the United States.

Authors

• Rachel Severson, University of Tampa

• Carly Hilinski-Rosick, University of Tampa