The Long-Term Effects of Solitary Confinement From the Perspective of Inmates

This qualitative study analyzes the effects of solitary confinement on prisoners and the strategies used by them to cope with its difficulties. The findings indicate that solitary confinement is perceived as unfair and as intensifying hostile emotions and physical aggression, and that it is related...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Tayer, Liat (Author) ; Einat, Tomer (Author) ; Antar, Anat Yaron (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2021
In: The prison journal
Year: 2021, Volume: 101, Issue: 6, Pages: 652-674
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Keywords:
Inmates
coping strategies
long-term effects
Separation
solitary confinement
Description
Summary:This qualitative study analyzes the effects of solitary confinement on prisoners and the strategies used by them to cope with its difficulties. The findings indicate that solitary confinement is perceived as unfair and as intensifying hostile emotions and physical aggression, and that it is related to a range of long-term physiological, mental, and behavioral disorders. Three strategies are used to cope with the difficulties of solitary confinement: keeping to a ritualistic routine, a religious lifestyle, and physical exercise. We conclude that solitary confinement exacerbates the difficulties of detention and affects prisoners’ health and well-being for short and long terms.
ISSN:1552-7522
DOI:10.1177/00328855211060312