Stress control in prison health care: an audit

Abstract

Purpose

The principle of equivalence states that the provision of healthcare in the community should be extended into prisons. Stress control is a psychoeducational intervention that has had success in the community and has been adapted for use in different settings. The purpose of this paper is to establish whether stress control can be beneficial in a custodial setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Stress control was evaluated by looking at clinical effectiveness, satisfaction, attrition rate, cost effectiveness and suitability of the materials for use in a custodial environment. In total, 14 prisoners completed six sessions of stress control. Data were obtained using two clinical scales and an evaluation questionnaire.

Findings

Participants' anxiety significantly decreased and their wellbeing increased after completing Stress Control. Prisoners were satisfied with the intervention and there was a small attrition rate.

Research limitations/implications

The audit had a small sample size, there were no control conditions and measures were self report. There was a selection bias arising from the exclusion criteria. A large‐scale randomised controlled trial should be conducted to further test effectiveness.

Practical implications

The adapted materials are effective and appropriate for use in a custodial setting. There can be improved access for psychological therapy for a prison population, a cost effective intervention, acceptable to a prison population and evidence based. Further recommendations for future developments are discussed.

Originality/value

The applicability of an established programme for mood management to custodial settings is an area of significance to forensic practice.

Citation

Breese, L., Maunder, L., Waddell, E., Gray, D. and White, J. (2012), "Stress control in prison health care: an audit", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 292-301. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636641211283093