Hopelessness, Suicidal thoughts and Self-harm among Incarcerated Population of KP

Abstract

Criminal offenders especially those in correctional settings lack adequate social support which could exacerbate feelings of isolation, despair, and hopelessness, leading to an increased vulnerability to self-harm and suicidal ideation. The present study was conduct with an aim to assess how hopelessness influences self-harm and suicidal ideation among criminals; and to explore gender-wise variation in hopelessness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts among criminals. A purposive sample of 80 criminals (40 males and 40 females) was selected from Central Prisons of Peshawar and Haripur. The age range of respondents were from 18 to 50 years. Instruments used for data collection includes, Beck’s Hopelessness Scale (BHS) (Beck et., al 1974), Self-harm Inventory (SHI) (Sansone et al., 1998), Beck Suicidal Intent Scale (SIS) (Beck, Schuyler, & Hermen 1974). Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize participants’ demographic characteristics. Independent samples ttests were used to examine gender-based differences in suicidal thoughts and self-harm among criminals. Correlational analysis was conducted to assess the relationship among hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. The study reports demographic findings from 80 respondents, detailing gender-wise distribution across age, marital status, educational level, socioeconomic status, type of criminal offence, and duration of incarceration. Overall, the results indicate a relatively higher proportion of participants who were unmarried and lacked formal education, alongside a substantial representation of individuals involved in murder-related offences; females accounted for a greater share across most demographic categories. In addition, the findings demonstrate statistically significant gender differences in hopelessness, self-harm behaviors, and suicidal intent among criminals. Female participants scored significantly higher than male participants on the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Selfharm Inventory and the Suicidal Intent Scale