Segregation in Prison, Physical Consequences of

A great deal has been written about the effects of prison life and of special conditions of confinement such as segregation, particularly in regard to mental health. Segregation occurs when an inmate is placed in a cell separate from the general population. However, much less is known about the effects of segregation on inmates’ physical health. There are two perspectives on this matter. One is that prison life is stressful and should manifest itself in negative physical health outcomes especially in the case of extreme forms of lockup—like segregation, where inmates are cell bound for 23 hr and experience less cognitive and physical stimulation which may be harmful to their health. Another perspective, however, contends that offenders lead a far more risky life outside the ...