Isolation from human contact, whether voluntary or involuntary, has a profound psychological impact on individuals. Solitary confinement, a form of involuntary isolation, is a common practice in the U.S. and has devastating effects on mental health. Research by Craig Haney emphasizes that involuntary separation from social contact is a critical aspect of the harm caused by solitary confinement. This type of isolation not only removes social interactions but also deprives individuals of sensory stimulation, further exacerbating the psychological toll. The comparison to historical practices like excommunication highlights the enduring nature of social isolation as a form of punishment or control. Ultimately, the necessity of human connection for overall well-being is underscored by the detrimental effects of prolonged isolation on individuals' mental health.
How is the brain affected by solitary confinement? How would you deal with being stranded on a deserted island? And do baby monkeys make the best therapists?
- SOURCES:
- William Broyles Jr., screenwriter, journalism, and former U.S. Marine Corps officer.
- Beatriz Flamini, Spanish mountaineer.
- Craig Haney, professor of psychology at the University of California Santa Cruz.
- Harry Harlow, 20th-century American psychologist.
- Sarah Hepola, author.
- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.
- Tree Meinch, freelance writer, editor, and freediver.
- Alexander Selkirk, 18th-century Scottish privateer and Royal Navy officer.
- Cheryl Strayed, writer and podcast host.
- RESOURCES:
- "The Impact of Isolation on Brain Health," by Vibol Heng, Craig Haney, and Richard Jay Smeyne (Neurobiology of Brain Disorders, 2023).
- "What Happens When Humans Are Extremely Isolated?" by Tree Meinch (Discover, 2023).
- "Spanish Climber Leaves Cave After 500 Days in Isolation," by Ciarán Giles (AP News, 2023).
- "Solitary Confinement Is Not 'Solitude': The Worst Case Scenario of Being 'Alone' in Prison," by Craig Haney (The Handbook of Solitude, 2021).
- This Tender Land, by William Kent Krueger (2019).
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed (2012).
- "The Real Robinson Crusoe," by Bruce Selcraig (Smithsonian Magazine, 2005).
- "Lost at Sea and Back Again," by Sarah Hepola (The Austin Chronicle, 2000).
- "Social Recovery of Monkeys Isolated for the First Year of Life: I. Rehabilitation and Therapy," by Melinda Novak and Harry Harlow (Developmental Psychology, 1975).