A SCOPING REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ON SELF-HARM AND SUICIDE AMONG ADULTS IN U.S. PRISONS

Abstract

**Please note that the full text is embargoed until 05/15/2025** ABSTRACT: Solitary confinement is a widespread issue that impacts the most vulnerable individuals in our country. The U.S. uses solitary confinement more frequently and for longer periods of time compared to other countries though its use has not proven to be an effective intervention in prisons. Solitary confinement limits the individual’s ability to connect with peers, friends, and family as visits are restricted, thus impacting their mental health. This thesis aimed to understand the impact of solitary confinement of self-harm and suicide among adults in U.S. prisons; This thesis also attempted to shed light on the theoretical lenses that were stated or implied along with exploring how the variation in results distributed over time and space. The research questions were explored through a scoping review, performed with six peer reviewed articles that met the inclusion criteria using four various databases. The findings from this scoping review strongly align with previous research that solitary confinement is a risk factor for self-harm and/or suicide.

Keywords: solitary confinement, adults, prisons, self-harm, suicide, mental health, United States