A Study Assessing the Mental Health Challenges Faced by Inmates and the Need for Comprehensive Psychological Services in Prisons

  • Krishna Gopalan and Ishita Van Chinta
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  • Krishna Gopalan

    Student at Saveetha School of Law, India

  • Ishita Van Chinta

    Advocate in India

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Abstract

The main objective of this study is to outline the mental health problems experienced by prisoners and highlight how important it is for them to have complete psychological services. This paper has four major objectives: the identification and analysis of prevalent mental health issues among incarcerated persons, evaluation of current psychological support systems, and whether these mental health problems are recognized to the capacity of the inmate especially in their allocation of term period, furthermore compare prisons across the world and their systematic protection of the well-being of inmates pre and post their term period. The study will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to achieve these objectives. Initially there will be an extensive literature review, supported through empirical studies, theoretical approaches, and case studies for comprehensive understanding of the mental health environment in correctional institutions. Topics such as prevalence rates of mental disorders among inmates, effect of prison on mental well-being, and efficiency of existing psychological services should be explored. To cover gaps that literature review may have and provide a comprehensive perspective, there will be empirical research by administering questionnaires to ordinary citizens of India. The investigation aims at determining the public attitudes and ideas regarding mental health treatment provided to prisoners. It will specifically find out whether they believe that they need improved psychological services within correctional systems. Furthermore, it will explore respondents’ understanding of how mental healthcare is important inside jails and whether reformation is needed. Integrating the findings from both literature review and empirical research this study aims to create a solid framework for understanding and improving inmate’s mental health services. Practical insights combined with theoretical ones can enhance more effective correctional practices towards mentally ill inmates through a humanistic approach.

Type

Research Paper

Information

International Journal of Law Management and Humanities, Volume 7, Issue 6, Page 1673 - 1681

DOI: https://doij.org/10.10000/IJLMH.118683

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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution -NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits remixing, adapting, and building upon the work for non-commercial use, provided the original work is properly cited.

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