NOTING THAT DETENTION OR INCARCERATION IS AN INTENSE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE FOR THE INMATE, THE AUTHOR OUTLINES SEVERAL INSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES THAT IMPINGE ON THE INMATE'S SELF CONCEPT AND BEHAVIOR. THESE INCLUDE INITIAL ASSIMILATION INTO THE PRISON SETTING, REORIENTATION TO GROUP ORGANIZATION, CONTAMINATIVE EXPOSURE TO THE SHORTCOMINGS OF OTHERS, AND CONSTRAINTS PLACED ON THE FACE-SAVING DEFENSIVE BEHAVIORS AVAILABLE TO INMATES. THE PROCESS OF STIGMATIZATION IS ALSO EXAMINED. THE AUTHOR CLOSES WITH A BRIEF DISCUSSION OF HOW KNOWLEDGE OF THESE INSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES CAN BE USED TO IMPROVE PRISONS.