Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Purpose: At the end of 2005, the steadily increasing population of adult women under the jurisdiction of State and Federal prison authorities reached 107, 518 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2007). State and Federal Prisons found that female inmates that reported recent histories and symptoms of mental disorders ranged from 61% to 73% of the female population (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2007). There had been limited exploration regarding the mental health and treatment needs of incarcerated women (Nicholls, Lee, Corrado, & Olgloff, 2004). One group of women in prison, those who report that they have prostituted, are known to often have had multiple exposures to victimization and abuse with the associated mental health treatment needs (Carter & Dalla, 2006). This study explores the mental health problems and individual and family experiences of a group of incarcerated prostituted women in comparison to a group of non-prostituted female inmates. The purpose of this study is to add to the descriptive literature about prostituted women and to contribute to the identification of mental health service needs that could be addressed while they are in prison or upon return to the community.

Method: Three-hundred and three adult female inmate participants of a 12-week trauma and abuse psycho-education group from 2003 to 2006 completed paper and pencil questionnaires. The participants, ranging from 19 to 64 years old, completed the Trauma Symptom Inventory (Briere, 1995) and a life history survey regarding childhood abuse, criminal behavior, drug use and self-harm behaviors. The participants were divided into two groups, those who reported a history of prostitution (n =176) and those who did not (n =127). Descriptive, t-test and chi square analyses were conducted to determine if the two groups were different regarding mental health problems and life experiences.

Results: The analyses suggested significant differences between the two groups on all but one trauma symptom subscale. Significant differences were found regarding depression, anger/irritability, intrusive experiences, defensive avoidance, dissociation, sexual concerns, dysfunctional behavior, impaired self-reference, and tension reduction behavior with the participants reporting a history of prostitution having higher scores. The two groups were similar on the anxiety/arousal subscale. The group of prostituted women reported higher rates of prior arrests, were younger at first arrest, and experienced more school problems. They also were found to have significantly different and more severe histories of sexual abuse, emotional abuse and drug involved parents.

Implications: This study presents new information to social workers about the mental health needs of incarcerated women. It offers a detailed depiction of the trauma symptom related problems and issues experienced by a group of incarcerated prostituted women. The need for an increase in interventions for female inmates as well as the grave need for treatment programs for prostituted women was discussed and recommendations for assessment and treatment are described.