The Psychological Effects and Mental Health Aspects of wrongful conviction

Introduction:

This blog post will explore the psychological impact of being wrongfully convicted and also the effects which this has on the family of the wrongfully convicted.

Studies have shown that those who are subject to being wrongfully convicted of crimes have a long-term distrust of the criminal justice system. Several studies have shown the damaging long-term effects which torture has both mentally and physically on people. The long-term mental effects of torture can result in a prevalence of the development of PTSD. PTSD is an extremely serious disorder. PTSD, although a primarily mental disorder can have several physical effects on people. The long-term mental disorder results in physical effects such as; musculoskeletal pain negative effects on the cardio-respiratory (CR) system and gastrointestinal system (GI) amongst other general health complaints

 

 

PTSD:

PTSD also affects how people behave. The effects of PTSD on the brain of the individual are so severe that it can result in poor sleep and avoidant behaviours.The effects of PTSD are endless: Cumberland Heights have identified 17 effects of PTSD

 

●  Intrusive Thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are perhaps the best-known symptom of PTSD.

●  Nightmares. ...

●  Avoiding Reminders of the Event. ...

●  Memory Loss. ...

●  Negative Thoughts About Self and the World. ...

●  Self-Isolation; Feeling Distant. ...

●  Anger and Irritability. ...

●  Reduced Interest in Favourite Activities.

●  Hypervigilance

●  Difficulty Concentrating

●  Insomnia

●  Vivid Flashbacks

●  Avoiding people, places and things associated with the event

●  Casting blame

●  Difficulty Feeling Positive emotions

●  Exaggerated startle response

●  Risky behaviours

 

 

The Negative Psychological Effects of being wrongfully convicted.

In a study carried out by Clow and Leach, they found that exonerees that confessed to the crime are “perceived as actually guilty of the crime, less competent, and less warm than the other exonerees”The effects of stigmatisation include the falsely accused being further alienated from society. This in turn results in further detrimental psychological effects, with the falsely convicted being further isolated from society. This isolation affects the reintegration of the falsely convicted. One of the coping mechanisms prescribed for those exonerated is to confide in others for emotional support.

 

The Effect on the Family:

The trauma experienced by a false conviction not only has a negative psychological effect on the victim but also on the family of the wrongfully accused.The effects can be categorised into “disruption, dysregulation, and dysfunction” Wrongful convictions affect the relationships between the wrongfully convicted and their family. This can result in a loss of intimacy between the wrongfully convicted and their family.“Victimisation and ostracization” are also experienced by the families. This can result in the family being ostracised from their local communities through the association with a wrongfully convicted felon. Studies have shown that the negative psychological effects on the wrongfully convicted are replicated by the person's family and loved ones.

 

 

Conclusion:

This blog has explored and demonstrated several of the negative effects mentally of being wrongfully convicted on the exoneree and their families. It is hoped that this article raises awareness of the severity of the mental effects of wrongful conviction as well as to make the community aware of the ostracisation that can easily be resolved if society is to become more understanding of these issues.








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