Overview
The lecture discusses the psychological and physical impacts of forced isolation, particularly in the context of solitary confinement, and examines historical practices and reform efforts.
Effects of Forced Isolation
- Peaceful solitude can relieve stress, but forced loneliness causes severe psychological and physical effects.
- Involuntary, prolonged isolation raises stress hormones leading to chronic stress.
- Lack of social interaction removes “social reality testing,” risking loss of identity and reality.
- Prolonged isolation can cause depression, obsessions, suicidal thoughts, delusions, and hallucinations.
- The limbic system becomes hyperactive (increasing fear/stress) while the prefrontal cortex shrinks (reducing reasoning/memory).
- Imbalance in brain function increases emotionality, anxiety, rage, and irrational behavior.
- Physical symptoms include sleep problems, heart palpitations, headaches, dizziness, hypersensitivity, and weight loss.
- Coping with routines (exercise, reading, writing) helps, but only partially.
Solitary Confinement in Prisons
- Forced long-term isolation is classified as torture by the UN and experts.
- Solitary confinement (“restrictive housing”) is common in US prisons; 120,000 prisoners experienced it in 2019.
- Cells are small (6x9 ft), windowless; prisoners spend 22-24 hours/day inside.
- Introduced in the late 1700s as a “penitentiary” alternative to corporal punishment, meant to encourage reflection.
- Solitary was quickly criticized as inhumane, but usage surged in the 1980s with tougher crime laws and overcrowding.
- Used for both serious offenses and minor infractions like talking back to guards.
- Exacerbates pre-existing mental health problems.
Long-term Consequences and Reform Efforts
- After release, people from solitary are three times more likely to have PTSD.
- Commonly report personality changes, anxiety, paranoia, concentration, and social connection issues.
- Some US states limit solitary for certain groups or set 15-20 day maximums, but enforcement is inconsistent.
- Solitary does not reduce violence and contradicts goals of rehabilitation.
- Norway uses humane, rehabilitative approaches, spending more per prisoner and achieving much lower recidivism.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Solitary Confinement — forced isolation of a prisoner in a small cell for 22+ hours per day.
- Social Reality Testing — using social feedback to assess if one’s thoughts and perceptions are rational.
- Limbic System — brain region controlling emotions and stress.
- Prefrontal Cortex — part of the brain responsible for reasoning, memory, and moral judgment.
- Recidivism — the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the psychological and physiological impacts of forced isolation.
- Compare US and Norwegian prison models regarding solitary confinement and rehabilitation.