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Abstract

Prior research has examined the prevalence of mental health diagnosis among incarcerated individuals. However, there is little research that has explored the link between having a mental health diagnosis and receiving write-ups (i.e., notice of disciplinary infractions) during incarceration. To better understand the relationship between having a mental health diagnosis and the prevalence of disciplinary infractions, we draw on data from the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates. We further analyze any differences in these links for males and females, while controlling for relevant demographic variables. Study findings have implications for specialized mental health care and training of correctional staff.

Keywords

mental health write-ups incarceration correctional facilities

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Examining the Relationship Between Mental Health Diagnoses and Write-Ups During Incarceration

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