About 85% of inmates were held in their cells for 23 hours a day for most of the COVID confinement period, with more than a third showing symptoms of severe anxiety disorder, he said. research.
The Coping with COVID in Prisons report found that the measures introduced in response to the pandemic led to prolonged periods of isolation among the prison population.
He said this caused a dramatic increase in levels of anxiety and depression.
The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, was a partnership between the charity User Voice led by former criminals and social scientists at Queen’s University Belfast.
User Voice founder and CEO Mark Johnson said: “The report reveals one of the darkest and most hidden results of the pandemic, the true effects of the extreme blockade and confinement on prisoners and, ultimately, on the public.
“Shows we need to talk about criminal justice. Are prisons only for punishment or are prisoners and the public failing if they don’t offer the support that leads to rehabilitation?”
Professor Shadd Maruna, a professor of criminology at Queen’s University in Belfast, said: “Our research definitely shows that the social climate in prison has worsened drastically after confinement and much work will be needed to restore a sense of confidence. and legitimacy among the imprisoned.
“Peer-led models, like the ones that drove this research project, have the potential to do so if implemented correctly.”
A Penitentiary Service spokesman said: “Our hard but necessary action during the pandemic saved the lives of many employees and prisoners, and we quickly implemented measures such as video calls and cell education in recognition of the impact.
“We continue to increase support for mental health and improve staff training, and our prison strategy sets out a clear vision to provide all offenders with the education, skills and support they need to return to normalcy.”
Nearly 100 prisoners on duty were trained to survey comrades during the investigation.
During the 18-month project, these volunteers completed more than 1,400 surveys with colleagues imprisoned in 11 prisons in England and Wales.
The participating prisons received institutional anonymity.
The main conclusions of the report include:
• 85% of the inmates surveyed were confined to cells for 23 hours for most of the confinement period • 59% of the inmates surveyed had not had any visits with family during the confinement of COVID • The tools of standard detection suggest that depression and anxiety scores are nearly five times higher than the standard for the general population • More than one in three inmates had a score on the level of “severe anxiety disorder” • Two thirds of respondents said access to mental health support had worsened