In forensic and correctional environments, it is not uncommon for nurses and other health-care practitioners to depersonalize their patients and clients through their use of language. For example, referring to patients as "inmates" "cons," "psychopaths," "schizophrenics," or "monsters" not only evokes stereotypical images, but, more importantly, casts the individual in the role of the other. Ot...

In the context of the ever-increasing incarcerated population in the U.S. and our “obesity epidemic,” recent work has investigated whether incarcerated individuals are at higher risk for obesity and related diseases. We build on this scholarship by interviewing incarcerated men and women, as well as correctional facility staff to parse the barriers and facilitators to maintaining a healthy weig...

Prisoner sexual assault has plagued American corrections since its infancy in the 19th century. Although the incidence of prisoner sexual assault is unknown, recent studies reliably suggest the problem is widespread, often affecting the most vulnerable prisoners. The mental health and public health consequences, both within institutions and the community, are complex and devastating, requiring ...