Skip to main content
. 2021 Mar 31;24(3):766–775. doi: 10.1111/hex.13188

TABLE 1.

Combined codes

Combined code The contributor's original code(s) LH’s original code(s)
Releasing emotions No‐cut off point for emotions ➔ hurting self / others Releasing emotions
Loss of control

Loss of control

Emotions take over (lack of thoughts)

Becoming angry because upset

Emotional overload / lots of emotions at once

Emotions build and build ➔ out of control ➔ dual harm

Physical displays of emotion Easier to express emotions physically than verbally

Emotions and physical responses

Non‐verbal communication of emotions

Avoid looking weak

Fears of others seeing weakness—stand your ground

Banter ➔ violence because thinks being made fun of

Emotions = weakness. Related to gender.
Mask vulnerable emotions

Appears normal when suicidal

Vulnerable emotions ➔ self‐isolating

Masking emotions—only show in private, for example crying

Avoids talking about emotions

Show confidence Lowered control of some emotions (eg hostage taking) More willing to show some emotions than others, for example happy / anger vs. sad / frightened
Positive / negative spectrum Drawings ‘happy’ = positive, others = negative Positive—negative spectrum
Impact of prison on emotions

Suicidal thoughts only developed in prison

Prison makes you institutionalized

Deep remorse for offence

Wants to stay in prison or die

Impact of prison on emotions
Emotions and cognitions Emotions take over (lack of thoughts)

Emotions and memories / events

Emotions and thoughts

Recognizing emotions Self‐realization—know he's angry

Identifying emotions in self

Identifying emotions in moment vs. on reflection

Cognitive struggle to understand emotions—difficult to talk about them

Being frightened of own emotions Restraint = calming, cannot explode anymore Frightened of own emotions
Who you can trust with emotions Old‐school officers preferred not touchy feely

Emotions and others

Who you can talk to RE: emotions

Learnt behaviour

Always struggled to show / express emotions before prison

Family upbringing—crying and displays of affection not okay, anger is okay

Chose not to engage with support early on

Learning about emotions growing up
Can't listen to others emotions Cannot listen to others emotions / vulnerability
Talking about emotions ➔ feeling weird Feels weird after discussing emotions Talking about emotions does not help
Stored anger Holds grudges Emotions last a long time
Role of system in suicide Were drugs issued by healthcare staff or inmates?