The Reality of Solitary Confinement: What the Research Actually Shows
In this special solo episode of Reality Behind Bars, Ashley steps away from the usual recap format to take a deeper, research-driven look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of incarceration: solitary confinement.
Prompted by Robert’s time in segregation on 60 Days In, this episode examines how reality TV portrayals often miss the mark—and what decades of psychological, neurological, and criminal justice research actually reveal.
Ashley breaks down:
- What solitary confinement really is (and the different forms it takes)
- Why correctional systems use it—and whether it actually works
- The psychological and neurological impacts on incarcerated individuals
- The ripple effects on families, including children on the outside
- The often-overlooked toll on correctional staff working in these environments
Drawing from an evidence brief by the Vera Institute of Justice and broader scholarly research, this episode offers a clear, accessible “lecture-style” exploration designed to separate fact from fiction and humanize the lived experience behind the data. You can check out the Vera Institute Evidence brief from 2021 (click here) and find out more about the amazing work of the Vera institute by visiting their website (click here)
This is Part 1 of a two-part academic series. Next week, we’ll explore the cyclical impact of repeated placement in and out of solitary confinement—and what that means for long-term outcomes.
If you’ve ever wondered what solitary confinement really does, this episode is your starting point!
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