An integrated exploration of psychological distress among older prisoners

This thesis focuses on the mental well-being of older prisoners, the fastest growing age group in many prisoner populations. Levels of psychological distress measured among older prisoners in Victoria and New South Wales were much higher than those seen among older people in the general community. Individual fixed factors such as mental health history were found to be associated with older prisoners’ levels of distress. However modifiable aspects of the prison environment, such as the level of social support, ease of healthcare access and suitability of the built environment, were also key elements associated with older prisoners’ levels of distress.