Collective Trauma: The Shared Experiences of Staff and Residents from a Midwestern Medium Security Male Correctional Facility

• In Event: Health and Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities for People Living and Working in Prisons

Abstract

A substantial amount of research has explored the impact of collective trauma on communities throughout the world. However, there is little to no research investigating collective trauma in carceral settings. This paper helps address this gap by examining the shared experiences of those living and working in a Midwestern correctional facility who have witnessed the damaging effects of drug overdoses in the carceral setting. Ninety-five in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and residents of a medium security male prison. Interviews were conducted over Zoom and transcribed verbatim. They were then coded thematically using NVivo. Data analysis reveals that participants experienced feelings of uncertainty. Many staff attributed this to regularly engaging with residents under the influence or repeatedly responding to the scene of an overdose. Some residents agreed that this unpredictability created tension between staff and residents. Participants also discussed experiencing grief along with heightened concerns about their risk of exposure. Findings highlight the need to develop and test culturally and contextually appropriate collective trauma interventions for this unique population and context. By providing this support, practitioners can empower these communities to heal their shared trauma and lessen the potential negative effects of this trauma on their health and well-being.

Authors

• Elizabeth Taylor, University of Missouri

• Kelli E. Canada, University of Missouri

• Beth Huebner, Arizona State University

• Janet Garcia-Hallett, University of New Haven

• Ashley Givens, University of Missouri

• Victoria Inzana, University of Missouri - St. Louis