Evaluating the Mental and Physical Implications of Solitary Confinement on Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Open Access DepositedWhat are the mental and physical impacts of solitary confinement and how do they relate to the coping mechanisms utilized by formerly incarcerated individuals? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 formerly incarcerated individuals who have spent time in solitary confinement at least once, are 18 years of age or older, and who reside in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area. Participants were asked about their mental and physical health, coping mechanisms if applicable, and how they spent their time within solitary confinement. Through the lens of contemporary strain theory, interview data reveals themes revolving around religion, history, education, relationships, mental and physical health, and systemic abuse.
The practice of solitary confinement, which refers to the extreme isolation of an individual for extended periods of time, is a common practice within American prisons despite being widely recognized around the world as a method of torture. It is estimated that approximately one in five American prisoners experience solitary confinement at some point throughout their incarceration. The lives of those incarcerated remain largely a mystery to those who have never been incarcerated themselves, and this study aims to promote transparency of the daily occurrences within prison environments. The following question is presented within this study
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vonBorstel_gwu_0075M_17961.pdf | 2026-06-24 | Open Access |
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