المرونة النفسية لدى السجناء في البرتغال: عوامل مؤثرة ودعم نفسي فعال.

Imagine spending years of your life within concrete walls, separated from loved ones, grappling with the consequences of past actions, and facing an uncertain future. For many incarcerated individuals, this reality is compounded by significant mental health challenges. But what if there were ways to bolster their inner strength, their ability to bounce back from adversity – a quality known as resilience? Researchers in Portugal have begun to unravel the complex factors that contribute to resilience within the prison system, offering a glimmer of hope for improving the well-being of this often-overlooked population.

منهجية البحث

Researchers at the study, led by Alfaiate M., embarked on a comprehensive investigation involving 576 incarcerated adults across mainland Portugal. This wasn’t a longitudinal study tracking individuals over time, but rather a “cross-sectional” snapshot – a detailed look at a group of people at a single point in time. To gain a holistic understanding of the mental health landscape within prisons, the team employed a variety of established psychological assessment tools. Participants completed the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), a widely used measure of resilience, assessing their ability to cope with stress and adversity. They also filled out the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to quantify levels of these common mental health concerns. Further assessments included the Herth Hope Index (HHI), gauging levels of optimism and future outlook, and the Psychological Well-Being Manifestation Scale (PWBM-S), which explores overall psychological health. The researchers didn’t stop there; they also used a portion of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to understand patterns of substance use. Finally, a detailed questionnaire gathered information about the participants’ sociodemographic backgrounds – age, education, employment history – and their legal and criminal histories.

النتائج

The data revealed a concerning picture of mental health within the Portuguese prison system. Average scores on the DASS-21 indicated moderate levels of anxiety (4.7), depression (4.9), and stress (6.2). While these scores don’t necessarily indicate clinical diagnoses for every individual, they highlight a significant mental health burden. However, the study also uncovered encouraging findings regarding resilience. The average resilience score on the CD-RISC-10 was 29.1, with average scores of 31.2 on the HHI and 96.9 on the PWBM-S, suggesting a degree of positive psychological capacity even within a challenging environment. Substance use was prevalent, with tobacco, alcohol, cannabinoids (a type of cannabis), and cocaine being the most commonly reported substances.

But the most insightful part of the research focused on identifying factors associated with higher resilience. Through sophisticated statistical analysis – specifically, multivariable linear regression – the researchers discovered several key predictors. Prior psychological support *before* entering prison emerged as a significant positive influence, suggesting that addressing mental health needs in the community can have lasting benefits. Interestingly, being held in an “open prison regime” – a less restrictive environment – was also linked to greater resilience. The ability to effectively manage negative emotions, regular physical activity, maintaining face-to-face contact with family and friends, practicing relaxation techniques, and regularly reflecting on the reasons for incarceration all contributed to higher resilience scores. Conversely, experiencing verbal or physical aggression while incarcerated was strongly associated with *lower* resilience levels, underscoring the damaging impact of a hostile prison environment.

دلالات

These findings carry profound implications for prison reform and mental health interventions. For too long, the focus within correctional facilities has been primarily on punishment and security, often neglecting the crucial need to support the mental well-being of incarcerated individuals. The study powerfully demonstrates that resilience isn’t simply the absence of mental illness; it’s an active process that can be nurtured and strengthened. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for structured, comprehensive, and evidence-based programs designed to build resilience within prisons. This isn’t just about making prisons more humane; it’s about improving public safety. Individuals who are better equipped to cope with adversity are less likely to re-offend upon release.

The study also highlights the importance of addressing mental health needs *before* individuals enter the criminal justice system. Providing access to psychological support in the community, particularly for those at risk of incarceration, could prevent a downward spiral into crime and imprisonment. Furthermore, creating safer and more supportive prison environments – minimizing violence and fostering positive relationships – is essential for promoting resilience. The Portuguese study serves as a compelling call to action, urging policymakers and correctional officials to prioritize mental health and invest in programs that empower incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives.

Reference

Alfaiate M. (2026). Resilience and associated factors within the mental health profile of incarcerated adults in Portugal: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry, 26(1).

DOI: 10.1186/s12888-026-07852-1