The Other View

REVIEW By Marion Green

No Sense of an Ending

By Ruth Jamieson & Adrian Grounds

Long-term imprisonment amongst a group of Republican ex-prisoners and their families with an emphasis on the psychological repercussions facing those who have recently returned to their families and communities. The research is based on in depth interviews but also draws on previous prison studies on the impact of long-term imprisonment. The report highlights parallels with other research literature such as the adjustment difficulties facing war veterans, for example the Vietnam Veterans whose prisoner of war experiences had damaging effects on their capacity to integrate back into society.

Having worked with EPIC, a reintegration programme for Loyalist ex-prisoners, I was particularly struck by the similarity of the findings of this piece of research with the experiences of Loyalist ex-prisoners. If you remove the political ideologies the themes and issues are exactly the same. A lot of the accounts of the prison experience were almost identical in nature to those expressed by Loyalist ex-prisoners from psychological torture during interrogation and the coping mechanisms employed to deal with the intense pressures of prison life.

The psychological issues surrounding the release of a long-term prisoner are well documented in the report. It is described as crossing over into a different world and having to adjust to a totally different culture as the world that was once familiar no longer exists. Coming from long-term imprisonment the increased sensory bombardment in civilian life can be overwhelming compared to the regimented, structured prison experience where everything is grey and dull. Family and friends of the prisoners expect them to be glad they are out but in fact it can be demanding and bewildering and there are feelings of profound sadness and guilt about leaving behind very close friends and comrades.

 The prison experience changes people dramatically and they can seem like strangers and this adds to the difficulties and pressures of readjustment not just for the prisoner but also for the families and friends.
The report also highlights the fact that the major obstacle to successful resettlement for ex-prisoners is attempting to find and keep meaningful employment. The findings indicate that there are three major factors involved namely, discontinuity of employment through imprisonment, restricted access to employment and finally, the psychological effects of long-term imprisonment.

The ex-prisoners who participated in this research were very open and honest in sharing their experiences especially the psychological problems associated with long-term imprisonment. In Northern Ireland we have a culture that mitigates against the recognition of emotional trauma which often manifests itself in depression and alcohol or drug abuse. Although the psychological results of traumatic experiences are a normal reaction to extraordinary events, they are viewed as abnormal and crazy within the macho culture of the communities to which ex-prisoners belong.

It is seen as a sign of weakness to look for help or to admit that there are psychological problems. There have been numerous studies and research carried out in post-conflict societies throughout the world that have shown that post traumatic stress related disorders are common to ex-combatants and ex-prisoners who have survived violent conflicts. It would be very unusual if those involved with violent conflict in Northern Ireland did not experience psychological repercussions.

This report proves that further research is needed into exploring the difficulties of adjustment faced by ex-prisoners and particularly in relation to their partners and children. One of the recommendations of the report is the development of appropriate services to address the psychological difficulties of ex-prisoners and their families as well as better preparation for release to ensure increased understanding of the adjustment and interpersonal problems that may be experienced. The experience of ex-prisoners is an essential part of the experience of the community as a whole. It must be interpreted, valued and helped to contribute to a resolution of the broader conflict.

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