The Impact of Incarceration on Self-Control: Longitudinal Evidence from Neuro-Criminological Data

• In Event: PWG - Prison climate, well-being, and quality of prison life

Abstract

Incarceration is a highly restrictive environment that limits autonomy and decision-making, which can disrupt cognitive processes. Moreover, its punitive nature may further alter self-control, particularly when seeking rewards or making efforts towards long-term goal pursuit. While self-control has been widely studied in criminology, research has mostly focus on its relationship with recidivism and crime. However, the influence of different prison environments on self-control remains largely unexplored. This study examines changes in self-control in newly incarcerated individuals, providing insight into the neurocognitive impact of early imprisonment.
Newly detained individuals participated in a longitudinal study consisting of questionnaires and a behavioural task with electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Data were collected at three time points: shortly after incarceration (Baseline, T1), four months later (T2), and eight months later (T3). Participants were asked to provide their perspective on their current living circumstances to assess the effects of different prison environments. At each timepoint, self-control was measured using a combination of self-reported data from the questionnaires and cognitive performance metrics. EEG data were analyzed to assess cognitive conflict through time-frequency dynamics, with theta power amplitude serving as an indicator of conflict before decision-making. Mixed-effects models were used to examine changes across T1, T2 and T3.
Results are still being analyzed, however, preliminary analyses suggest a decline in self-control from T1 to T2, with further reductions at T3. Regarding neural activity, we anticipate an increase in cognitive conflict when making decisions that require self-control at T2 and T3. Moreover, differences in prison environments appear to exacerbate these effects, with more restrictive conditions potentially accelerating self-control deterioration.
These findings suggest that incarceration may progressively impair self-control, accompanied by measurable neurocognitive changes. As altered self-control can affect future behavior, this study can have implications for future reintegration and rehabilitation efforts.

Authors

• Victoria Rambaud, The Moral & Social Brain Lab, Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium

• Ilke Veeckman, Ghent University

• Louis Favril, Ghent University

• Emilie Caspar, The Moral & Social Brain Lab, Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University

• Tom Vander Beken, Professor and director of the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP), Ghent University