The paper reviews the psychoanalytical contributions of Winnicott, Kohut, Hahler, and Kernberg in exploring the roots of impulse control problems faced by incarcerated delinquents. For instance, Winnicott's holding environment concepts, based on mother-infant observations, can also be seen in delinquents and primitive adults. Borderline patients talk about their longings to be held and contained and their panic about being dropped and abandoned. The correctional system's containment functions provides the necessary control for offenders with ego defects related to impulse control. The prison holding environment supplies a variety of personnel for the inmate to relate to; these staff must overcome countertransference feelings when dealing with such offenders. They must have a holding environment of their own in order to be successful. Thirteen references are supplied.