Social factors boost wellbeing behind bars: the importance of individual and group ties for prisoner well-being

Background Prisoners often suffer from social isolation and higher levels of ill-health and ill-being. Research has demonstrated the positive health consequences that stem from social interaction, and especially group ties, amongst non-offender populations. Methods This work is based on a secondary analysis of a large-scale dataset that includes data on prisoners residing in all prison establishments in the UK (Study 1: N = 11,880; prisons = 113), and on a questionnaire booklet that was completed by prisoners residing in one prison in the UK (Study 2: N = 157). Results Study 1 showed that positive prisoner interactions are associated with greater prisoner well-being, due to the feelings of autonomy that these interactions provide. Study 2 showed that prisoners who reported being members of multiple groups had higher well-being, an effect mediated by the satisfaction of particular psychological needs; and an effect moderated by group contact discrepancy. Conclusions This work provides evidence that strong prisoner ties and memberships in groups are associated with greater well-being among prisoners, and identifies psychological needs and group contact as explanatory mechanisms; which progresses the field and has important policy and practical implications.