Health and Well-Being in Prison Context

This study aims to investigate the effects of solitary confinement on an individual’s physical and mental health and quality of life. Twenty-three hours confined in hollow singular cells, limited access to fresh air and natural light, and a close control is the common idea of solitary confinement. Data on the negative effects of prisons on inmates’ social life, rehabilitative capacities, well-being and health, combined with the lack of transparent information on solitary confinement and supermax prisons, has led to the development of this study, including peer reviewed documents over the last 23 years with empirical research and any correlation with the effects of prison on the adult inmate in solitary confinement. Mental symptoms have been increasing among prison population over the years and were greater than the physical ones, including depression, anxiety, psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a multiplicity of personality traits and clinical syndromes. Self-harm and suicide attempt rates were equally alarming. Some quality-of-life aspects include: lower levels of education, an average of 12 months in solitary confinement and higher rates of violence. A higher probability for placement in solitary confinement for those with a previous mental disorder diagnosis. Any time spent in solitary confinement also increased the odds for physical or mental conditions. Moreover, the effects of solitary confinement on the prisoner’s health and quality of life are unjustified, as the sentence should only restrict the inmate of his freedom, calling for practical data. We recommend that this line of research be further developed.