The Scottish tradition of imprisonment in the 19th century harbored a rational scepticism about the rehabilitative value of imprisonment in itself. Correctional policymakers viewed imprisonment primarily as a punishment that consisted of deprivation of liberty. The first half of the 20th century saw a new understanding of imprisonment that might be described as the growth of "misunderstood rehabilitation." There was a growing enthusiasm among governors and prison administrators for the concept that prison was a positive experience in itself, that each inmate was in some way ill and could be cured if the right treatment techniques were applied. This concept of coerced cure has not been largely dispelled, but there is a need for a new theoretical framework for imprisonment and its potential for being a positive experience for inmates. The proposed theory holds that imprisonment in itself is negative and punitive for the inmate, but it can provide an opportunity for positive change. This depends upon whether or not the inmate is motivated to use opportunities for positive growth and development while imprisoned. The prison has the responsibility to provide such opportunities, but the inmate's personal motivation and investment is the essential ingredient for any successful rehabilitative effort. 9 references