Psychosocial factors in prisoner suicide in European prisons: A systematic review and meta-Analysis

Abstract

In this article, the most influential variables of suicidal behaviour in prisons in Europe are identified. To this end, a literature search was conducted from 2010 in the databases of Web of Science (Core Collection), Scopus, Psicodoc and the ProQuest platform (PsycExtra, Psychology Database, PsycArticle, Criminology Collection, and PsycINFO), selecting articles and reviews, with samples of adult inmates with suicidal behaviour. Articles with samples of juveniles, non-prisoners and non-European prisons were excluded. The results obtained with 8,468 inmates describe prior history as the most relevant risk factor for suicide, with family support being the most relevant protective factor. There is insufficient research on the influence of gender on suicidal behaviour, as well as a scarcity of studies with a sufficient sample of inmates from different European countries.