Prison brain? Executive dysfunction in prisoners.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Meijers J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4311616 | biostudies-literature | 2015
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Prison brain? Executive dysfunction in prisoners.
Meijers Jesse J Harte Joke M JM Jonker Frank A FA Meynen Gerben G
Frontiers in psychology 20150130
A better understanding of the functioning of the brain, particularly executive functions, of the prison population could aid in reducing crime rates through the reduction of recidivism rates. Indeed, reoffending appears to be related to executive dysfunction and it is known that executive functions are crucial for self-regulation. In the current paper, studies to executive functions in regular adult prisoners compared to non-offender controls were reviewed. Seven studies were found. Specific exe ...[more]
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Project description:IntroductionPolicy-makers and practitioners need to understand characteristics associated with support for smoking restrictions to identify both potential allies and groups requiring particular support/targeted communication in the face of restrictions. Using data from prison staff and prisoners, we explored the structure and correlates of opinions relating to prison smoking bans.MethodsQuestionnaires were completed by staff (online, N=1271; 27% return) and prisoners (paper-based, N=2512; 34%) in all 15 Scottish prisons in 2016-17. At that time, prisoners could smoke in their own cells and during outdoor recreation; staff smoking was prohibited anywhere on prison grounds. Staff and prisoner questionnaires included identical/very similar questions about opinions on smoking in prisons and prison smoking bans, own smoking behaviour, health and sociodemographic details. We also measured in every prison fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a proxy for secondhand smoke (SHS) levels.ResultsPrincipal components analysis identified two factors: 'Positive about bans' (higher scores among staff) and 'Bans will be difficult' (higher scores among prisoners). In multivariable analyses, 'Positive about bans' was associated with: not smoking (both staff and prisoners), better general health, more respiratory symptoms and working in an operational role among staff; and no asthma, more sensory symptoms, higher educational level and status/release date among prisoners. 'Bans will be difficult' was associated with: fewer sensory symptoms and lower prison SHS levels among staff and being a smoker among prisoners. In smoker-only analyses, heavier smokers were less positive about bans and more likely to believe bans will be difficult.ConclusionsResults suggest it is possible to be positive about prison smoking bans whilst also recognising and/or concerned about potential operational difficulties, and that these opinions are associated with several characteristics additional to smoker status. Support for future prison bans may be stronger if staff have access to objective SHS exposure measures.
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