Institutionalization Of Bipolar Offenders

Running head: INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OFFENDERS 1

Institutionalization of Bipolar Offenders

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RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 2

Abstract

Bipolar depression is a mental condition in the general form of bipolar depression where a

person experiences extreme levels of hopelessness and desperation. Psychiatrists refer to it as the

lows of bipolar disorder. Reports present that this mental illness has been on the rise in the

western countries. Researchers in America have done studies whose results show the rising

trend. The most critical cases are in drug stricken areas. In Pennsylvania, the numbers of inmates

whose crimes point to drugs and have bipolar depression are half the size the size of the

population in the jail.

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 3

Introduction

Research shows that inmates are not the only affected lot but also includes the

practitioners and parole officers. The Criminal Justice system has in turn played a huge role in

the rising number of offenders with mental disorders by tightening procedures for involuntary

psychiatric hospitalization. Numerous research programs conducted in the U.S over the years

work with humanitarian bodies in conjunction with a psychologist invest in these programs. The

alarming rate of female offenders with mental illness indicates that the government has to act fast

before it becomes a national disaster. Interventions recommended by the several researchers

focus on the fact that women can only blame themselves for relying on men for food and shelter.

The government should step in and provide casual jobs for former convicts since the society is

reluctant to do so.

Literature Review

According to Steadman (1982), women offenders with mental illness are ready to reform

when we appeal to their self-control. In the interviews he used to collect data, he stipulates the

research question- why women and not men? The reasons he gave are lack of jobs due to low

education levels, abusive romantic relationships and most importantly the necessity to feed their

children in families with absent fathers (Morgan, 2012). While fending for themselves, the

pressure and frustration decrease the number of feel-good hormones and increase cortisol, the

stress hormone. This hormonal imbalance triggers bipolar depression leading to criminal

activities (Porter, 2014).

According to the American Sociological Association, the health of former offenders is at

risk given that they rely on fast foods for survival. The number of ex-convicts who suffer from

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 4

food-related diseases is relatively high as compared to the fully reformed ones. However,

programs are arising that focus specifically on females with this problem shedding light on their

predicament following interventions made by researchers like Wyse and Steadman.

The lack of motivation in jail counselors and parole officer result from prolonged

exposure to adverse conditions brought by their work results to bipolar depression (Morgan,

2012). These officers listen to the same old story every day, which develops a generalization in

drawing conclusions and interventions. This is the reason behind poor strategies in this field. In

the process of reforming parolees and inmates, some end up having the bipolar condition while

others lose the meaning of life (Wyse, 2013).

Inmates incarcerated with this condition, find it challenging to reform due to the culture

shock in jail. Intimidating officer and adverse conditions in jail are a huge challenge too.

Methods

Interviews and Observation

Face to face, interviews conveniences a researchers work by providing firsthand

experience as well as a chance to observe the participants in their niche. Since no one is ready to

share his or her personal experience as a victim, researchers give participants a little reward for

persuasion. Interviews conducted were both in jail and outside the correctional facility for the

parolees. The observation came in during, before and after the interview (Morgan, 2012).

Surveys

When one is conducting a survey, there are questions that the participants answer or rate

depending on the structure of the survey. The probation officers and the jail counselors were the

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 5

respondents in the sub-structured survey conducted. Other respondents were former convicts,

treatment staff, and correctional officers.

Discussion

Operationalization

Different factors and conditions interact to cause bipolar depression. Some of these

factors are constant all through while others fluctuate depending on the current state of the

person. The constant factors are independent variables while the changing one's dependent

variables. Independent variables include male officers, male offenders, age, race, and county.

The fluctuating variables are the crime, employment, finances, and romantic relationships.

Pros and Cons for earlier studies

All the studies done on this subject over the years possess both strengths and weaknesses

depending on a particular point of view. These studies have led to a higher level of

understanding of the society and country as a whole, the reasons for mental illness among

inmates. Consequently, the design methods applied in conducting these studies are reliable and

efficient. The statistical analyzation of data is scientific and no interference with the results. The

presentation of data, analysis, and interventions that come from these studies are therefore

credible (Steadman, 1982). Involuntary hospitalization of mentally ill persons is a policy made

after research on the relationship between mental health and crime.it was through these study

programs that the government was able to address the problem stated. Funding institutions that

provide treatment for psychiatric helped many poor people who cannot afford to pay for

rehabilitation fees.

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 6

Despite having the above advantages, these studies cannot reveal the source of the date

they analyzed. The officers who supervise inmates and parolees do not connect with them on the

personal level thereby omitting many details otherwise resourceful in interventions Then lack of

professionalism among the correctional officers as seen in these studies is a huge flaw. The

inmates have a right to privacy like any other freeman. Invading a person's personal space is

highly unethical (Porter, 2014).Interventions stated after every study are only useful for a short

period and are not long lasting as the problem is. Researchers should aim to develop

interventions that will stand the test of time.

Research designs

The study question in this paper is a bipolar depression in women who are ex-convicts. A

rising trend in this problem motivated the search for causes and prevention of the same. The

guide questions in the study are what is the relationship between drugs, crime mental illness, and

women? Why are there more women associated with mental illness? What is the role of society

in the rising trend of the study question? What interventions are in place to address this problem?

What are the challenges officers in correctional facilities face? Do parolees reform fully? What is

the attitude of the society towards mental illness?

The above question narrowed down to our hypothesis that, mental health in women is a

contributing factor to criminal activities. Data required to prove or refute the hypothesis was

from inside and outside a jail. The methods applied include interviews, surveys, and observation.

Recorded data on the participants and population of a prison also provided (Wyse, 2013). After

collection of data, scientific methods of analyzing data interpreted the data from which we

proved our hypothesis true. Descriptive research designs and reviews on the subject matter were

useful throughout the study from data collection, analyzing, and interpretation.

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 7

Sampling methods

There are various methods used in sampling data in quantitative research. In the case of

the referenced case studies, random sampling method was best. In random sampling, the

researchers choose participants in no order or consideration.

Other sampling methods include systematic and multi-stage sampling (Ward, 2017)

Participants

In the study by Wyse et al., the participants were probation officers, former female

convicts, parolees, and practitioners in the psychiatric department.

In the case of Porter (2014), the correctional officers in prison added to the list. Mentally

ill offenders gave these studies viability and resources to connect with crime and psychiatric

problems

Theories Employed

The Regression Model

The studies done on women offenders with mental illnesses are quantitative research.

Analyzing the data collected using the regression model was necessary.in this model; we

compared the dependent variable with the independent variables, statistically. Understanding the

relationship between the two variables helped in predicting future possibilities and hence it was

understandable to give interventions to curb the problem. The model points out the difference

between dependent and independent variables deepening understanding of the results.

Random Effects Model

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 8

In this model, a researcher assumes that the data he collected are from different

populations regarding age and economic status and that their differences relate to one way or the

other the unproven belief that correctional officers have towards the female. The notion that

women with the stated problem are lesser human beings as compared to men is primitive and

biased.

Results

The most challenging issues as stated by the participants include substance abuse, lack of

self-control and self-motivation, scapegoating and mental illness. Inmates and parolees who

violate the probation conditions tend to relapse back to the addiction especially for those who use

opium in medicating themselves (Steadman, 2014). Financial constraints and lack of jobs

pressured young people and women into the web of drugs and crime .It is tough for a woman to

live on the streets than it is for men. Instead of living on the streets, they resolve to the abusive

relationship, drugs, and addiction, which are ingredients for mental problems and crime.

Mental health medication is rather expensive for a recently released inmate, as the

government does not cater for their health insurance after release from jail. In such unforgiving

circumstances, the victim resolves to crime, which may lead to them going back to prison

(Porter, 2014). Society, family, and friends are not always welcoming to the ex-convicts. They

instead stigmatize them and isolate them for good. This leads to consumption of junk food and

drugs for solace (Morgan, 2012).

The studies also pointed out that the causes of the criminal activities source in the

parenting and society than it has to do with mental illness. They believed mental illness as an

excuse for committing offenses. It also shows that women in abusive romantic relationships and

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS 9

those with low self-esteem were dependent on drugs to make them feel better. Studies show that

interventions made have reduced the crime by people with mental disorders though more

research is required and stronger interventions put in place.

Conclusion

Crime and mental health are related only up to a certain point. From the studies read,

women are highly affected than men considering they are weaker. Some of the interventions

advanced studies in the causes, prevention, and treatment of mental illnesses are necessary.

Since we are in the digital era, we should think of ways of using technology to fight addiction

and crime. This way, women will get employment with no problems. For the semi-skilled and

unskilled, the government should focus on training them while in prison. The crime department

personnel should undergo psychological health training as well as counseling now and then to

broaden their knowledge and understanding of psycho related problems. When every individual

adheres to the code of ethics in the society and places of work, stigmatization of former offender

will lessen hence cultivating confidence vital for reformation.

RESEARCH PAPER ON BIPOLAR DEPRESSION OF OFFENDERS

References

Jenkins, M., Dammer, H., & Rachitic, D. (2017). Built around failure. Corrections Today, 79(4),

Morgan, R. D., Flora, D. B., Kroner, et al. (2012). Treating offenders with mental illness: a

research synthesis. Law and human behavior, 36(1), 37.

Porter, L. C. (2014). Incarceration and post-release health behavior. Journal of health and social

behavior, 55(2), 234-249.

Steadman, H. J., Monahan, J., Hartstone, E., Davis, S. K., & Robbins, P. C. (1982). Mentally

disordered offenders. Law and Human Behavior, 6(1), 31.

Ward, K. C., & Merlo, A. V. (2016). Rural jail reentry and mental health. The Prison Journal,

96(1), 27-52.

Wyse, J. J. (2013). Rehabilitating. Gender & Society, 27(2), 231-255.

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