A comparison of the problem-solving abilities and psychological distress of suicidal, bullied, and protected prisoners

This research examines the relation between means-end thinking and psychological distress in a group of young, incarcerated Scottish offenders who exhibited difficulties in adjusting to the prison regime. Four groups of inmates were examined: (a) those placed in suicidal supervision; (b) those removed from main circulation and placed in protection; (c) victims of bullying who remained in main circulation; and (d) a group who had adjusted reasonably to the prison regime. The Means-End Problem Procedure (MEPS) was used in conjunction with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Results suggested a hierarchy of problem-solving deficits and psychological distress that were both most pronounced in the inmates placed in suicidal supervision. Deficits in problem solving were also found to correlate with higher levels of distress. Analyses of covariance revealed the importance of the status of the individuals in relation to their adjustment to prison after controlling for age and the total amount of time spent incarcerated. The results are discussed in relation to possible interventions to promote adjustment to prison life among such vulnerable inmates.