Stress Among Prisoners from the Perspective of Causal Factors and Psychological Impacts: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i7.110Keywords:
Stress, Prisoners, Mental health, Correctional institutionsAbstract
A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted through PubMed, PubMed Central, DOAJ, Google Scholar, and publisher websites. Eligible journal articles were published in 2021–2026, addressed incarcerated populations, reported prison-related stressors or psychological outcomes, and provided full text or sufficiently detailed structured abstracts. Nineteen thematic studies were synthesised together with one PRISMA 2020 reporting guideline. Five major groups of causes emerged: pre-existing vulnerability, loss of autonomy and safety, overcrowding and isolation, disrupted family and social support, and barriers to mental healthcare. Pandemic restrictions intensified pre-existing stressors through prolonged cell confinement, suspended visits, uncertainty, and fear of infection. The most consistent impacts were anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep disturbance, anger, helplessness, social withdrawal, and suicidal expressions. Women, young prisoners, people with prior mental disorders, and transgender or non-binary prisoners showed more complex needs. Effective responses require periodic screening, a healthier social environment, meaningful activities, maintained family contact, confidential referral pathways, and services tailored to vulnerable groups.
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