Year: 2005 Source: Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, v.15, no.3, (2005), p.164-170 SIEC No: 20060948

This study compared depressive characteristics of English prisoners who reported previous self-harm with those who did not. 24 new arrivals at an adult male category B local prison who reported previous episodes of suicidal behaviour were assessed. A further 24 new arrivals were matched as closely as possible on sociodemographic & offending characteristics. Mean scores on the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory II, & the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation were significantly higher among the prisoners with a history of self-harm. Results suggest a continued vulnerability to self-harm & perhaps suicide in this population. (32 refs.)