“Overcrowded but lonely” : exploring mental health and well-being among young prisoners in Cambodia

• Purpose – Young prisoners are one of the most vulnerable groups in society for mental health problems and ill-being. Therefore, there is a crucial need to understand their physical, psychological and social situations. This study aims to explore young Cambodian prisoners’ experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being, their determinants and their coping strategies.Design/methodology/approach – Six focus group discussions were carried out in three prisons with atotal of 48 young prisoners between the ages of 15 and 24 years (50% women, 50% men). Semistructured questions guided the discussions, and thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data.Findings – Young prisoners reported multifaceted experiences of mental health and well-being. The majority described adverse mental health experiences, while some revealed better well-being, partlyinfluenced by the socio-economic support from outside the prisons and previous involvement or not indrug abuse. The experience of physical overcrowding without emotional attachment among the fellow prisoners was perceived as the overarching determinant of loneliness and mental health problems, while socio-emotional support and rituals were described as the most important coping mechanisms.Originality/value – This pioneering study from Cambodia gives young prisoners an opportunity to voice their experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being in the prison setting. The findings inthis study underline the importance of prison authorities tackling overcrowding to promote well-being andreduce mental health problems. Also, the coping mechanisms outlined by the participants should be considered when planning psychosocial interventions.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi -- Tillämpad psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology -- Applied Psychology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Young prisoners

Mental health

Cambodia

Ungdomar

Psykisk hälsa

Ungas psykiska hälsa

unga intagna

Kambodja

psykiatri

Psychiatry

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)