Louis Favril

Shifting attention between the space of the body and external space. Electrophysiological correlates of visual-nociceptive crossmodal spatial attention

The study tested whether nociceptive stimuli applied to a body limb can orient spatial attention in external space toward visual stimuli delivered close to that limb. Nociceptive stimuli were applied to either the left or the right hand. Task-relevant visual stimuli were delivered at the location adjacent to the stimulated hand (70% valid trials) or adjacent to the other hand (30% invalid trials). Visual stimuli were discriminated with shorter reaction times and elicited ERPs of greater magnitude in the valid as compared to the invalid trials. This enhancement affected the N1 component, suggesting that the location of the nociceptive cue modifies visual processing through a modulation of neural activity in the visual cortex. We hypothesize the existence of a common frame of reference able to coordinate the mapping of the space of the body and the mapping of the external space.

Suicidal ideation while incarcerated: Prevalence and correlates in a large sample of male prisoners in Flanders, Belgium

Prisoners constitute a high-risk group for suicide. As an early stage in the pathway leading to suicide, suicidal ideation represents an important target for prevention, yet research on this topic is scarce in general prison populations. Using a cross-sectional survey design, correlates of suicidal ideation while incarcerated were examined in a sample of 1203 male prisoners, randomly selected from 15 Flemish prisons. Overall, a lifetime history of suicidal ideation and attempts was endorsed by 43.1% and 20.3% of respondents, respectively. Approximately a quarter of all prisoners (23.7%) reported past-year suicidal ideation during their current incarceration, which was significantly associated with both imported vulnerabilities (psychiatric diagnoses and a history of attempted suicide) and variables unique to the prison experience (lack of working activity, exposure to suicidal behaviour by peers, and low levels of perceived autonomy, safety and social support) in the multivariate regression analysis. A first-ever period of imprisonment and a shorter length of incarceration (≤12months) were also associated with increased odds of recent suicidal ideation. Collectively, the current findings underscore the importance of both vulnerability factors and prison-specific stressors for suicidal ideation in prisoners, and hence the need for a multi-faceted approach to suicide prevention in custodial settings. In addition to the provision of appropriate mental health care, environmental interventions that target modifiable aspects of the prison regime could provide a substantial buffer for the onset and persistence of suicidal ideation in this at-risk population.

Suïcide in de Belgische gevangenissen, 2000–2016

Aan de hand van een dossierstudie werden alle (gedocumenteerde) suicides onderzocht die in de Belgische gevangenissen plaatsvonden over de periode 2000–2016. Gedurende dit 17-jarig tijdsbestek overleden in Belgie 794 gedetineerden tijdens hun detentie. Een derde (33%) van deze overlijdens betroffen suicides—tussen 2000 en 2016 pleegden 262 individuen suicide in detentie, wat overeenstemt met gemiddeld 15.4 suicides per jaar of meer dan een suicide per maand. Voor de bestudeerde periode noteren we, na extrapolatie, een gemiddelde van 156.2 suicides per 100,000 gedetineerden, wat ruwweg acht maal hoger ligt ten opzichte van het suicidecijfer in de algemene Belgische bevolking over diezelfde periode. Een analyse van alle suicides toont aan dat het profiel van de gedetineerde die suicide pleegt in detentie een alleenstaande man van 37 jaar is met de Belgische nationaliteit. Het percentage gedetineerden met een psychiatrische stoornis en een voorgaande suicidepoging is sterk verhoogd onder diegenen die suicide pleegden in detentie. Achttien procent van alle suicides betroffen personen met het statuut van internering. De periode kort na opsluiting, een transfer naar een andere gevangenis en justitiele gebeurtenissen vormen risicoperiodes voor suicide. Het merendeel van de suicides vond plaats op de eigen cel van de gedetineerde, in afwezigheid van een celgenoot, door middel van verhanging. Opmerkelijk is dat 11% van alle suicides plaatsvonden in een veiligheids- of isolatiecel, en dat 40% van alle gedetineerden op het moment van de suicide onder een maatregel van verhoogd toezicht waren geplaatst. De bevindingen van de huidige studie bieden belangrijke inzichten voor de preventie van suicide in de Belgische gevangenissen en vormen een eerste aanzet voor de ontwikkeling van een suicidepreventiebeleid op nationaal niveau.

Correlates of suicidal ideation in incarcerated offenders: a pilot study in three Belgian prisons

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlates of suicidal ideation in offenders incarcerated in three Belgian prisons. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional questionnaire design was used. In total, 60 participants were recruited from three Belgian prisons. In addition to a questionnaire regarding demographic, social, institutional, and criminological factors, validated self-report instruments of psychological and psychiatric variables (coping, hopelessness, and depressive symptomatology) were administered. Associations with suicidal ideation were tested using regression analysis. Findings Coping style, life events, and social support were most strongly associated with suicidal ideation in prisoners. In particular, a passive coping style, feelings of loneliness, and the loss of a significant other contributed most to the presence of suicidal ideation, whereas a close partner relationship constituted a protective factor of suicidal thoughts. Research limitations/implications This pilot study used a convenience sampling strategy, prone to sampling bias. Additionally, given the small sample size, results must be interpreted with caution, as they might not be representative of the general population of prisoners in Belgium. Practical implications Interventions focussing on improving coping skills and social support and on impeding the availability and accessibility of suicide methods are promising suicide prevention strategies in custodial settings. Originality/value To date, no studies have been conducted in Belgium focussing on suicidality in prisoners. Furthermore, the examination of suicidal ideation in prison settings has received relatively scant attention in international research.