Negative Psychological Impacts of Solitary Confinement on Inmates in the United States

Social, Human Rights

Solitary confinement in U.S. prisons has been shown to have severe psychological effects on inmates. Prolonged isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, and intense emotional distress, as individuals are deprived of social interaction and sensory stimulation. Many experience cognitive impairments, including difficulty concentrating and memory problems. Long-term isolation may also exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or create new disorders, such as hallucinations and paranoia. The sense of helplessness and trauma from prolonged confinement can hinder inmates’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Despite its widespread use, research increasingly points to solitary confinement as a harmful practice that undermines inmates’ mental well-being, leading to calls for reform and alternatives to isolation in the correctional system.