Suporte social e saúde mental em pessoas privadas de liberdade

Abstract

People deprived of liberty face challenging conditions, such as overcrowding and limited access to fundamental rights provided for in criminal legislation, but not always guaranteed by structural barriers and social stigmas. Social support is essential throughout the prison cycle, functioning as a bridge between the prison environment and the outside world, promoting balance and mental health. Family visits stand out as the main support mechanism. The dissertation covers two studies on social support in the prison context. The first, qualitative, interviewed five men deprived of their liberty, exploring their perceptions about the support they received. The categorical analysis identified three main axes — family, friends and significant others — highlighting the role of visits, emotional support and the fear of being forgotten. Exchanging letters also emerged as a form of support in the context of friendships. The second study, quantitative and descriptive, analyzed 64 participants, comparing the levels of mental suffering (depression, stress and anxiety) between those who received visitors and those who did not. The results showed a weak relationship between social support and mental suffering, but revealed that inmates who received visits perceived a greater support network. The findings reinforce the importance of policies that encourage visits and positive contacts, aiming for well-being and social reintegration.