Comparison of suicidal symptom networks in prison populations according to recidivism

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: The high number of risk factors for suicidal behavior support a multicausal framework. A network perspective may facilitate such an approach. However, this analysis has not yet been applied to study suicidal behavior in prison settings. This study aims to evaluate risk factor networks related to suicide among prisoners in Spain, comparing the network between first time offenders/recidivism. Methods: The study uses data from the PreCA Group. The sample comprised 324 first-time male offenders (mean age 35,30) and 383 recidivists (mean age 38,17). Suicide risk was assessed using the Plutchik scale. Descriptive analyses were conducted on demographic and prison variables. A risk factor network was estimated according to first-time versus recidivist status. Nodes corresponded to the items of the Plutchik scale. Networks were estimated using the Ising model. Centrality and stability indices were calculated. Results: Recidivist offenders showed a higher proportion of Spanish nationality, lower educational levels, and higher unemployment rates (p < .01). They also had higher scores on the Plutchik scale (p < .01). In both groups, the most central nodes were “suicidal thoughts” and “pessimism.” The Network Comparison Test found no differences between the networks in either structure (M = 1.45; p = .15) or global strength (S = 3.53; p = .34). Discussion/Conclusions: Recidivists show a higher risk of suicide compared to first-time offenders, despite having equivalent networks. This study highlights the importance of assessing suicide from a multicausal perspective. It also underscores the need to consider suicidal thoughts within the prison context.