A Case Study using the Biopsychosocial Vulnerability-Stress Model as a framework to understand the incarceration experience

In the United States, the Center for Disease Control estimates that about 80% of incarcerated inmates have a substance abuse problem. More than one fourth of inmates are in prisons because of drug related arrests. Additionally, many inmates have cooccurring mental illness disorders as well as health related issues. A multiple (four) case study design was used to explore the association between co-occurring diagnoses, antisocial traits and challenging behaviors within the incarcerated population. The analysis revealed that the four co-occurring diagnoses studied did contribute to poor health outcomes. Study findings suggest that there is a great need to create services within the Department of Correction to assist inmates with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse for improved health outcomes