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Exploring the Psychological and Social Impact of Solitary Confinement: Insights from Dhaka Prison


Authors : Md. Jahangir Kabir

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3r334bth

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yed8v9rj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1207

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Abstract : Solitary confinement, a punitive and administrative practice involving the loneliness of an individual in a small cell for extended periods with minimal human contact, has been recognized as a significant threat to psychological and social wellbeing. These abstract reviews the major psychological and social consequences of this extreme form of incarceration. Psychologically, lonely confinement can induce spartan and lasting mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and chronic psychosis. The sensory deprivation and social isolation inherent to this practice are linked to the development of a specific psychiatric syndrome, often referred to as "SHU Syndrome," which includes heightened sensitivity to stimuli, panic attacks, and severe cognitive disturbances. Socially, practice is a form of extreme dehumanization that erodes an individual's sense of self and social identity. It can lead to the loss of basic social skills and an inability to reintegrate into a community setting upon release, thereby increasing the risk of recidivism. The long-standing effects of solitary confinement encompass beyond the period of loneliness, often creating lasting trauma that impedes successful reentry into society and contributes to broader social problems. While proponents argue for its necessity for maintaining institutional order and safety, a growing body of evidence, alongside human rights standards, suggests that the profound psychological and social damage inflicted by solitary confinement far outweighs its purported benefits. As such, its use is widely viewed as a procedure of painful, insensitive, and degrading treatment. This study could involve a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative data on rates of mental health diagnoses post-release of Bangladesh on secondary level with formerly incarcerated individuals to explore their subjective experiences and challenges. This would contribute to the ongoing debate about the morals and efficiency of solitary confinement as a Prison repetition.

Keywords : Bangladesh, Prison, Solitary Confinement.

References :

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Solitary confinement, a punitive and administrative practice involving the loneliness of an individual in a small cell for extended periods with minimal human contact, has been recognized as a significant threat to psychological and social wellbeing. These abstract reviews the major psychological and social consequences of this extreme form of incarceration. Psychologically, lonely confinement can induce spartan and lasting mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and chronic psychosis. The sensory deprivation and social isolation inherent to this practice are linked to the development of a specific psychiatric syndrome, often referred to as "SHU Syndrome," which includes heightened sensitivity to stimuli, panic attacks, and severe cognitive disturbances. Socially, practice is a form of extreme dehumanization that erodes an individual's sense of self and social identity. It can lead to the loss of basic social skills and an inability to reintegrate into a community setting upon release, thereby increasing the risk of recidivism. The long-standing effects of solitary confinement encompass beyond the period of loneliness, often creating lasting trauma that impedes successful reentry into society and contributes to broader social problems. While proponents argue for its necessity for maintaining institutional order and safety, a growing body of evidence, alongside human rights standards, suggests that the profound psychological and social damage inflicted by solitary confinement far outweighs its purported benefits. As such, its use is widely viewed as a procedure of painful, insensitive, and degrading treatment. This study could involve a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative data on rates of mental health diagnoses post-release of Bangladesh on secondary level with formerly incarcerated individuals to explore their subjective experiences and challenges. This would contribute to the ongoing debate about the morals and efficiency of solitary confinement as a Prison repetition.

Keywords : Bangladesh, Prison, Solitary Confinement.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - May - 2026

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