Inmate Responses to Lengthy Death Row Confinement

Psychiatric interview and psychological testing were used to ascertain the effects of extended confinement on "death row" of eight men who were evaluated upon admission to prison and periodically thereafter for at least two years. Five appeared to adjust adequately over time, three to become significantly less functional. As a group they were more likely with increased confinement to utilize projection, to identify with each other and to an antisocial life-style, and to complain about health. While their ego strength was improved, their potential for adjustment in a new environment was felt to be diminished.