Prolonged extreme social isolation causes predictable psychological deterioration
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 87/100
Evidence from animal and human studies consistently indicates that prolonged extreme social isolation, such as solitary confinement, leads to predictable psychological deterioration and mental health problems.
Evidence for · 4
Behavioral Effects of Prolonged Partial Social Isolation in the Rhesus Monkey
1971 · cited by 83
Demonstrates that prolonged partial social isolation leads to behavioral declines and disturbance activity in monkeys.
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More for · 3
The body in isolation: The physical health impacts of incarceration in solitary confinement.
2020 · cited by 28
Finds that solitary confinement is associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes.
Solitary Confinement—From Extreme Isolation to Prison Reform
2019 · cited by 2
Notes the widespread negative health effects and psychological dangers associated with solitary confinement.
Association between mental illness and disciplinary confinement and its effect on mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
2025 · cited by 1
Shows through systematic review and meta-analysis that disciplinary confinement leads to increased psychological distress and psychiatric symptoms.