Sociodemographic, Criminal and Psychopathological Profile in a Sample of Women in Prison

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to establish a sociodemographic, crime and psychopathological profile of women in prison. The sample consists of 50 women and 51 men prisoners in Ecuador. The results suggest that women have more symptoms of somatization, depression, phobic anxiety and paranoid ideation, higher scores in schizoid and depressive personality clinical patterns than men. In women, it can be observed that those with a history of admissions in juvenile centers and with a greater number of traumatic experiences present more psychopathological symptoms and high scores in the clinical personality patterns. In conclusion, the results indicate the psychological needs of women in prison and the importance of considering the differences between men and women to carry out intervention programs.