Deliberate self-harm among adults in prisons

Abstract

This article explores barriers that prevent or interfere with the implementation of policies for reducing deliberate self-harm in adults in prisons and the levers that aid implementation. An integrative literature review was conducted of 12 studies of deliberate self-harm in the prison service between 2000 and 2012. Data were analysed thematically. Six themes were identified: knowledge; attitudes; emotion; staff skills; environment; and resisting treatment. The authors argue that having identified barriers and levers, the next stage is to address them so that the high levels of self-harm in prison can be reduced.