The effects of prison experience, education, and social support on inmates’ mental health in Brazil

Purpose This study aims to examine how prison experience, perceived social support, and education are related to mental health distress among Brazilian inmates. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted with 242 male (M age = 31.84 years, SD = 8.29) prisoners from three facilities in Brazil’s Central-West region. Mental health distress was assessed using the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20), which captures anxiety, depression and somatic complaints. The scale of experience (SEP) in prison evaluates inmates’ subjective experiences related to the prison environment, such as sense of safety, whereas the social support perception (EPSUS-A) scale measures perceived emotional and instrumental support from family, friends and others. Findings Inmates reported moderate levels of mental health distress (M = 9.11, SD = 5.35), prison experience (M = 41.98, SD = 9.93) and social support (M = 45.25, SD = 21.55). Correlations showed that prison experience was positively related to perceived social support (r = 0.43, p < .001) and negatively related to mental health distress (r = –0.16, p = .024). In a multiple regression model, sociodemographic variables accounted for 15% of the variance in mental health distress (p = .07). After adding the main predictors, the final model accounted for 26% of the variance (p = 0.003). Prison experience was a significant predictor of fewer mental health symptoms (β = –0.223, p = .01). Research limitations/implications This study relied on self-report measures, which may be subject to social desirability and underreporting of symptoms. The cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations, and the sample included only male inmates from one region in Brazil, reducing generalizability. Practical implications First, correctional staff should be trained to promote safer, more respectful environments, as positive prison experiences were linked to better mental health. Second, while strengthening social support networks is a practical step, future research should also focus on developing better tools to assess mental health among inmates, ensuring more accurate identification and intervention. Social implications First, the study highlights the importance of improving prison environments, as positive experiences in prison were linked to better mental health outcomes. Second, it suggests that enhancing inmates’ access to social support could reduce psychological distress. Together, these findings emphasize the need for correctional policies focused on fostering support within prisons to promote inmate well-being and successful reintegration into society. Originality/value Results highlight prison experience as a protective and malleable factor, suggesting targets for mental health interventions in prisons.