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Psychological Effects of 60 days in Administrative Segregation

NCJ Number
187145
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 47-83
Author(s)
Ivan Zinger; Cherami Wichmann; D. A. Andrews
Editor(s)
Julian Roberts
Date Published
January 2001
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This study represents a comprehensive empirical review of the psychological effects of administrative segregation in today’s Canadian Federal correctional context.
Abstract
A longitudinal study was conducted and included 60 Canadian inmates from Kingston, Collins Bay, and Millhaven Penitentiaries who had either been (a) voluntarily or involuntarily placed in administrative segregation and remained in segregation for 60 days, or (b) randomly selected from the general inmate population and remained in the general inmate population for 60 days. Participants initially completed written psychological tests and took part in a structured interview that assessed their overall mental health and psychological functioning. The same procedure was undertaken 30 days later, and again 60 days later. Segregated prisoners had similar education levels, offense histories and criminogenic needs than non-segregated prisoners. Segregated prisoners had distinct personalities and were higher risk cases than non-segregated prisoners. Overall, segregated prisoners had poorer mental health and psychological functioning. There was no evidence, however, that over a period of 60 days, the mental health and psychological functioning of segregated prisoners significantly deteriorated. Administrative segregation is a management tool that has been over utilized in Canadian penitentiaries. Although it will always remain a legitimate management tool to deal effectively with problematic situations and individuals, its current use is perhaps symptomatic of correctional authorities’ inability to reduce tensions and resolve conflicts in the prison context. The study findings should not be used to legitimize the practice of administrative segregation. References

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