Conducting Mental Health Research with Individuals in Correctional Settings: Recommendations for New Researchers

In the U.S., the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is higher in correctional populations than in the general population (James & Glaze, 2006), in part due to deinstitutionalization, lack of access to mental health services in the community (Markowitz, 2006), and criminalization of individuals with mental illness (Lamb & Weinberger, 2005). The high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in correctional populations highlights the need for research on mental illness and treatment delivery in correctional settings. Correctional settings pose ethical and logistical challenges for the conduct and oversight of research (IOM, 2006). This study is the first empirical investigation of the ethical challenges in conducting mental health research with correctional populations. A nationwide sample of 94 individuals with experience in the conduct or oversight of mental health or psychiatric research in correctional systems participated in a 60-90 minute key informant interview. The sample included 32 researchers, 17 prison administrators, 15 research ethicists, 15 IRB members or chairs and 15 IRB prisoner representatives. This study reports the findings from one question: “What are the three most important suggestions you would give to researchers thinking about conducting mental health or psychiatric research in correctional settings?” Key themes that emerged included the importance of building collaborative relationships with administrators, security personnel, and treatment providers in the correctional system; being familiar with the unique demands of the correctional environment; and understanding regulatory oversight guidelines. The findings from this study offer recommendations and guidelines to help ensure the ethical conduct of mental health research in correctional settings.