| Summary: | Solitary confinement is a complex and controversial issue. Some findings suggest that solitary confinement has detrimental psychological effects on inmates whereas other findings suggest that solitary confinement does not cause psychological effects. In a 2001 study reporting on administrative segregation in a Canadian setting, findings suggested that over a period of 60 days, the mental health and physiological functioning of segregated inmates did not seem to deteriorate. However, this study has been criticized for high refusal rates, high attrition rates, small sample size, and short duration. The purpose of this report is to review the clinical evidence regarding the effects of segregation or solitary confinement on mental and physical health of inmates in correctional facilities and to review the evidence-based guidelines regarding segregation or solitary confinement in correctional facilities
|
|---|