Importance of Gender-Responsive Mental Health Practices for Women in Prison

Excerpts from the Paper

Importance of Gender-Responsive Mental Health Practices for Women in Prison
This study will evaluate the importance of gender-responsive metal health treatment options for women being incarcerated in American prisons. In contrast to the reluctant cooperation of male prison populations, women often rely on more external ways in which to resolve learned criminal behaviors. The often more internalized approach to problem solving in mental health issues is more cooperative than those of male offenders, since males often externalize their problems via violence or machismo. By understanding the gender roles of male and female inmates, the importance of gender-responsive directives can help mental health practitioners more aware of strategies...

..... women’s mental health in prison is the result of a more open culture between women, which allows for improved communication and willingness to receive behavioral treatment as a form of criminal corrections. In this way, it is evident that female inmates need a more comprehensive focus on gender-responsive mental health treatment programs due to the more complex gender role they enact in comparison to those of male inmates analyzed in this study.
References
Gunter, T. D. (2006). Mental health needs of women incarcerated in state prisons. Psychiatric Times, 23(1), 102-109. Retrieved from General OneFile.
Ross, P.H. & Lawrence, J.E. (1998). Health care for women offenders. Corrections Today, 60(7), 122-133. Retrieved from General OneFile.