Introduction
Incarcerated individuals in the United States contend with a unique set of challenges which compel them to react accordingly to survive the prison experience (Baidawi et al., 2016). The unprecedented rise in imprisonment rates and the consequent overcrowding at correctional facilities further worsens the situation. Evidence from criminal psychology studies indicate that the poor living conditions within correctional facilities expose inmates to several mental health issues that endanger their lives ( Gottfried & Christopher, 2017). Institutionalized isolation and insecurity in these facilities contribute to the growing number of behavioral and psychological disorders among prisoners (Baidawi et al., 2016). While undertaking their routine functions, prison personnel are also negatively affected by long working shifts and safety risks. This paper argues that incarceration of adults has an inadvertent negative impact on both convicts and correctional officers.
Behavioral and Psychological Issues of Incarceration
Reduced Sense of Self-Worth from Sexual Assault in Prison
Prison rape cases are among the most underreported issues in American correctional facilities ( Baidawi et al., 2016). Numerous structural factors contribute to the rising incidents of non-consensual sexual activities within correctional facilities. Presently, overcrowding due to mass incarceration in prisons is fundamental when examining sexual offenses in these settings because of marginal privacy among inmates. Other issues including understaffing and inefficiency of rehabilitation exacerbates the situation. According to Baidawi et al. (2016) , about 15,000 adults are sexually abused in correctional and detention centers annually. A majority of the assaulted adults consider themselves survivors instead of victims ( Bartol & Bartol, 2014) . Victims of rape report feelings of self-blame for the traumatic experience. Because this considered a shameful act, the victims hold a low sense of self-worth ( Bartol & Bartol, 2014).
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Evidence in this realm reveals that victims of sexual violence are twice more likely to commit suicide than other inmates. Because most of them are threatened against reporting the cases, they become overwhelmed by feelings of fear and guilt ( Bartol & Bartol, 2014). Given these circumstances, correctional mental health officers are required to conduct routine inquiries to determine the general wellbeing of all resident inmates. Bartol and Bartol (2014) emphasize that fear of victimization obscures the prevalence of rape, as does the general acceptance that incarcerated individuals cannot be trusted. The inaction against complaints of sexual violence in prisons is propagating the vice and subsequent mental health concerns.
Violence from Substance Use
The abuse of prohibited substances within prisons is an elemental behavioral concern for many stakeholders in the criminal justice domain. Corrupt prison staff members are implicated in the proliferation of drugs with the prison systems. Baidawi et al. (2016) assert that wardens, nurses, trainers, and other support staff receive bribes from prisoners to smuggle substances into the prison environment. The use of illicit drugs is associated with criminal behavior. The relationship between aggressive behavior and drugs in prisons is acknowledged and has grown over the decades. According to Baidawi et al., (2016), offenders use banned substances to exert their authority within the correctional facilities. Consequently, this leads to violence, blackmail, and rape, not just among inmates but also against wardens as the substance users lose their control. Baidawi et al., (2016) suggest that in most cases, prisoners assault and coerce prison staff when their supply diminishes owing to increased drug enforcement measures. Trafficking and dealing in drugs within a correctional facility establishes a hierarchy where stronger and influential inmates force the weaker ones to act as smugglers and peddlers. Gottfried and Christopher (2017) assert that violence safeguards the credibility, revenues, and status of this criminal enterprise. More inmates are forcefully recruited to collect payments and threaten substance users who have failed to pay for the supplied drugs.
How Correctional Officers are affected by the Inmates’ Behavioral and Psychological Issues
Correctional Officer Stress and Burnout
Among the critical occupational hazards for correctional officers when dealing with the issues above include work-related distress and burnout. According to Stöver (2017) , the dire conditions within prison environments demoralize their confidence and capacity to cope. Gottfried and Christopher (2017) elucidate that exposure to violence significantly elevates stress levels among prison staff, particularly those with direct interaction with inmates. Daily, correctional officers encounter gang violence, suicide, and physical confrontation with aggressive offenders. Bartol and Bartol (2014) state that both female officers and female inmates are considered a vulnerable group, representing about 65% of all reported rape cases. The ever-present threat of being assaulted and the on-going necessity to maintain a high level of awareness for prolonged periods take a toll on prison officers' physical and mental well-being ( Stöver, 2017).
The study by Baidawi et al. (2016) shows that correctional officers are affected by Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at a similar rate with veterans that have served in recent crusades in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of the constant threat from violent inmates, a study by the University of California- Berkeley revealed that 29% of correctional officers manifested feelings of hopelessness (Stöver, 2017). About 10% reported having had suicidal thoughts due to the stressful working environment ( Stöver, 2017). Besides, the corrections job presents unique challenges to the officers leading to emotional exhaustion issues such as understaffing and long shifts with limited breaks substantially cause work burnout.
Reduced Life Expectancy among Correctional Officers
Some studies done on the overall life expectancy among correctional officers indicate that their lifespan is considerably lower compared to the national average ( Stöver, 2017). For instance, research conducted on Florida correctional officers revealed that the average life expectancy was 62 years compared to that of the general population, which stands at 74 years ( Stöver, 2017) . Some of the underlying factors leading to a shrinking lifespan among prison staff include stress and trauma, inmate violence, suicide, and drug abuse. Stöver (2017) claims that it is likely that correctional officers will be assaulted at least once in their careers. Living in a constant state of fear because of the looming danger besides the increased possibility of being killed by a prison gang indeed adversely lessens the lifespan of correctional officers. Organizational stressors, untreated trauma, and other mental health issues contribute to the high rates of suicide among prison officers ( Stöver, 2017).
At the local, federal, and state prisons, correctional officers are required to quell violent fights among inmates and maintain tranquility. In some severe circumstances, they witness deadly crimes such as murder through strangulation or stabbing. Such traumatic events have a significant effect on their state of mind. Compounded by other stressors like burnout, officers may resort to alcohol abuse. Gottfried & Christopher (2017) remark that using alcohol and other substances is a means of coping with the unpleasant events on the job. Thus, such activities lead to harmful addiction, potentially causing death from risky behaviors and overdose.
Conclusion
Overall, incarceration of adults has significant behavioral and psychological effects on the inmates. Because of overcrowding and inadequate privacy in jails and prisons, cases of sexual violence, including rape, are thriving. Such experiences have shown to have an immense psychological impact on the victim's sense of personal value. Substance abuse in prisons contributes to violent activities that cause injury and even death among inmates and correctional officers. Prison wardens and other staff are also affected by the occurrences within their workplace. Job-related stress and burnout emerging from a demanding and dangerous working surrounding affect the morale of these officers. The trauma and violence within correctional facilities significantly reduce the life expectancy of the personnel. To ensure the welfare of both inmates and prison staff is safeguarded, key reforms should be made on the current criminal justice policies.
References
Baidawi, S., Trotter, C., & Flynn, C. (2016). Prison experiences and psychological distress among older inmates. Journal of Gerontological Social Work , 59 (3), 252-270.
Bartol, A. M., & Bartol, C. R. (2014). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach . Boston: Pearson.
Gottfried, E. D., & Christopher, S. C. (2017). Mental disorders among criminal offenders: a review of the literature. Journal of Correctional Health Care , 23 (3), 336-346.
Stöver, H. (2017). Prison staff under stress: Causes, consequences and health promotion strategies. Emerging Issues in Prison Health , 47 (5), 253-259.
