Women Prisoners' Mental Health

Abstract Incarcerated women have substantial mental health needs that are often unrecognized, misidentified, and inadequately treated. This study of 49 incarcerated women examines the complex relationships among women's criminal history, victimization, relational supports, personal strengths and their mental health. Intensive interviews were conducted with sentenced women volunteers. A cluster analysis produced four typologies that shape recommendations for assessment and treatment (with the “types” labeled, respectively, “spirited,” “inured,” “troubled” and “volatile”). Findings suggest that women with the greatest mental health needs have the greatest childhood violence risk, greatest proclivity for violent crime and the weakest social supports.