Psychological Effects Of Solitary Confinement: Analyze Mental Health Implication Of Solitary Confinement On Prisoners And Its Impact On Behaviour And Rehabilitation

Ishi Kshatriya, India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa

ABSTRACT

Solitary confinement, a practice in which prisoners are isolated from human contact for extended periods, has been a topic of controversy in the criminal justice system for decades. Despite its widespread use, the effects of solitary confinement on the psychological and neurological well-being of inmates remain poorly understood. This review aims to synthesize the existing empirical literature on the consequences of solitary confinement, focusing on the impact on mental health, cognitive function, and brain structure. A comprehensive search of major databases yielded 35 studies that met inclusion criteria, including both qualitative and quantitative designs. Results suggest that solitary confinement is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, as well as deficits in executive function and memory. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies reveal alterations in brain structure and function, particularly in regions involved in emotional regulation and social cognition. The findings of this review have significant implications for the use of solitary confinement as a correctional practice and highlight the need for alternative approaches to managing challenging inmate behavior.