Prolonged isolation as a predictor of mental health for waived juveniles

Abstract

Prior research has shown that solitary confinement (i.e., restricted housing, isolation, or segregation) exacerbates mental illness and individuals with no prior record of mental illness begin to show signs of psychiatric symptoms. These effects may be even greater for younger offenders incarcerated in adult prisons. The current study examines the relationship between mental health and segregation among 92 waived juveniles in or released from the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The results suggest a statistically significant, positive association between time spent in segregation and number of mental illness diagnoses. Policy implications are discussed regarding the potential damaging effect of isolation.