An examination on the effectiveness of solitary confinement, as a form of punishment, on incarcerated individuals and the unintended consequences associated with the policy

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of solitary confinement, as a form of punishment and protection in prisons, and the unintended effects of its application. A systematic review of the research conducted on the policy of solitary confinement determines that it is an ineffective method of punishment and behavioral modification. Research also suggests that the unintended consequences associated with solitary confinement such as; mental illness, self harm and suicide, and post traumatic stress disorder have a greater impact on inmates than the policy has on improving their behavior while incarcerated