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A Within-Person Test of the Impact of Extended Solitary Confinement on Mental Health Functioning and Service Use

NCJ Number
308040
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 50 Issue: 4 Dated: 2023 Pages: 459-479
Author(s)
Sonja E. Siennick; Jennifer M. Brown; Daniel P. Mears; Jasmine Clayton
Date Published
2023
Length
21 pages
Annotation

This study of the impact of extended solitary confinement on mental health concluded that increased treatment might prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening among those held in long-term solitary confinement.

Abstract

Using administrative data on 843 men, the authors examined within-person changes in mental health functioning and service use surrounding long-term stays in solitary confinement (SC) in Florida correctional facilities to explore whether people, particularly those with preexisting mental health problems, have worse mental health during and after extended SC stays. During these stays, service use increased, psychological functioning improved, and mental health crises declined. The former two associations persisted during step-down placements in lower levels of restrictive housing and during the month following restrictive housing stays. The same associations were observed among men with and without serious mental illnesses, though they were more muted among the former group. The increased provision of treatment might prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening among those held in long-term SC and might even improve psychological functioning relative to when the same people are in general population housing. (Published Abstract Provided)