Men’s Perceived Barriers to Accessing and Utilizing Mental Health Support in Prison: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

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Butcher, Georgia, Bealey, Rebecca, Moss, Laura and Beazley, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8821-1213 (2026) Men’s Perceived Barriers to Accessing and Utilizing Mental Health Support in Prison: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice. ISSN 2473-2850

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Abstract

Men comprise the majority of the worldwide prison population, and mental health difficulties are disproportionately prevalent among men in prison compared with the general population. The current study aimed to explore the perceived barriers that men have in accessing and utilizing mental health support in prison. Eight electronic databases were searched, which identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. An established framework for thematic synthesis was used, and quality appraisal was facilitated, using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for qualitative research. Six analytic themes were identified: systemic, structural, and institutional constraints; relationship blockers; being a man in prison; positively breaking down barriers; predisposition to distrust; and disparities for ethnically marginalized groups. The themes identified highlighted potential areas for improvement in prison mental health care services. Limitations of the review are discussed alongside avenues for future research.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Systematic Review from Georgia Butcher's ClinPsyD thesis
Uncontrolled Keywords: prison,barriers,men,mental health care,qualitative,systematic review,pathology and forensic medicine,applied psychology,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2734
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 10 Apr 2026 14:30
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2026 13:53
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/102750
DOI: 10.1080/24732850.2026.2697170

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