| Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of bullying, resident-onresident, in a women’s prison and how it affects their daily lives. The study endeavored to reveal
the experience of bullying, and its effects in a restricted environment.
Background: Prisoners are a vulnerable population who are housed, fed, and interact with
residents from diverse backgrounds. Many residents have histories of trauma, physical and
sexual abuse, medical, and mental health needs. In a restricted environment, residents’ negative
history combined with bullying can lead to thoughts or actions of suicide.
Methods: A representative purposeful sample of English-speaking female residents (n=25) from
three custody levels, 18 years and older, incarcerated for at least three months, from a prison
west of the Rocky Mountains were invited to participate. This phenomenological qualitative
research design used a semi-structured interview guide, informed by the Conceptual Model:
Bullying Effects in Prison, developed by the researcher. This conceptual model depicts the
restriction and confinement of prison as the four concentric rings constrict down to the center.
Beginning at the 4th outer ring there are eight concepts of loss someone entering prison may
experience such as restricted activity and family separation. The 3rd ring displays eight bullying
concepts a person may experience, with examples being gossip and intimidation. As the rings
constrict in size to the 2nd, the effects of the 3rd and 4th are apparent as residents experience
feelings such as loneliness, depression, or somatic symptoms to name a few. The smaller 1st ring
houses ideation, watch, and attempt, portraying a residents call for help or their feelings of
hopelessness, dropping into the center ring of suicide. Results: Through deductive thematic analysis, bullying was found to negatively affect residents
in the restricted environment of prison, confirming the concepts and theory of the conceptual
model, Bullying Effects in Prison.
Conclusion: This study as well as future studies are needed to increase knowledge of bullying in
women’s prisons, for the safety and security of the residents.
Keywords: Prison, Women, Bullying, Suicide |