Haugebrook Sabrina, Zgoba Kristen M, Maschi Tina, Morgen Keith, Brown Derek
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, New York City, New York, USA.
J Correct Health Care. 2010 Jul;16(3):220-9. doi: 10.1177/1078345810367482. Epub 2010 May 14.
The United States' older adult prison population is growing rapidly. This study identifies and describes important psychosocial characteristics, particularly trauma, life-event stressors, health, mental health, and substance abuse, among older adults in prison. Data were collected using case record reviews of 114 prisoners aged 55 or older in the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Findings revealed that the study participants are a diverse group with varied psychosocial issues and needs, including trauma and stress histories, substance use, and health and mental health issues. Most had childhood or adult trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. Family problems were common in childhood and adulthood. Understanding the problems and needs of older adult prisoners may help improve practice, promote advocacy, and prompt research that can enhance the quality of life of this population.
美国老年囚犯的数量正在迅速增长。本研究确定并描述了监狱中老年囚犯的重要心理社会特征，尤其是创伤、生活事件压力源、健康、心理健康和药物滥用情况。通过对新泽西州惩教部114名55岁及以上囚犯的病例记录进行回顾来收集数据。研究结果显示，研究参与者是一个多样化的群体，存在各种心理社会问题和需求，包括创伤和压力史、药物使用以及健康和心理健康问题。大多数人有童年或成年期创伤经历，如身体虐待或性虐待。家庭问题在童年和成年期都很常见。了解老年囚犯的问题和需求可能有助于改进实践、促进宣传并推动相关研究，从而提高这一群体的生活质量。
