Self-harming behavior in detention: a systematic review
Worldwide, researchers have shown that self-harm is an increasing problem in correctional facilities.
Nevertheless, there is still a lack of knowledge about the risk factors of self-harm in detention. Empirical studies exist but provide inconsistent results and are of varying quality. This systematic review focuses on explanations for self-harm in detention from a prison sociologist angle. Eleven databases were screened in English, French or Dutch and a thematic content analysis was conducted. Four categories of personal risk factors were found: demographic variables, variables related to mental vulnerability and history of self-harm, variables of victimisation and criminological variables. In addition, three categories of situational risk factors were identified: treatment variables, detention variables and variables relating to social control in prison. Prison policymakers should focus more on offering therapies and a gender-sensitive treatment. Situational improvements, such as techno prevention and implementation of meaningful daytime activities, can contribute to this.