In the "Hole" and Needing Help: Solitary Confinement of Women and Prison Mental Health Treatment

• In Event: Impacts of Various Prison Treatment Programs on Inmates' Conduct and Mental Health

Abstract

Increasing numbers of women are subjected to solitary confinement in prison as the rate of women incarcerated in the United States rises. Research demonstrates that solitary confinement causes psychological distress. Yet, it is unclear from the existing literature if women who have experienced solitary confinement access mental health treatment. The current study examines the relationship between placement in solitary confinement and requesting mental health treatment for a sample of 155 women housed in seven correctional facilities. This study also investigates the influence of community mental health treatment, incarceration history, and sexual abuse history on likelihood of placement in solitary confinement and women’s requests for mental health treatment, controlling for important demographic characteristics. Results suggest that black women and women incarcerated for longer lengths of time experienced solitary confinement at higher rates, while women in their 30's were less likely than younger women to be placed in solitary confinement. Results also suggest that women with a history of solitary confinement, specifically those who had been confined five or more times, and those with a history of community mental health treatment were more likely to voluntarily request mental health treatment in prison. Implications for practice and policy will be discussed.

Authors

• Mina Ratkalkar, Drexel University

• Cassandra Atkin-Plunk, Florida Atlantic University