Living and Working in Restrictive Housing in Arizona

• In Event: New Research on the Use and Impacts of Restrictive Housing

Abstract

This project seeks to advance our understanding of the impact of restrictive housing on the mental health of inmates and staff. Specifically, the project will 1) determine whether a change in policy to a contingency-management approach to restrictive housing improved the mental and physical health outcomes of inmates and staff, 2) determine whether inmates in restrictive housing experience a change in mental health outcomes as compared to inmates not placed in restrictive housing and, 3) determine whether working in restrictive housing differentially impacts the mental and physical health of officers relative to officers who work in nonrestrictive housing settings. Preliminary findings and early challenges from the project will be discussed.

Authors

• Kevin Wright, Arizona State University

• John R. Hrpburn, Arizona State University