This study, using data from a state correctional agency, examines the use of segregation for people with serious mental illness in prisons. Our investigation shows deviations from departmental policy regarding the housing of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI); frequent use of segregation as a response to self-harm episodes and suicide attempts; and that people determined to be most impaired by a serious mental illness were typically placed in segregation. These findings suggest that correctional staff need to decouple disciplinary actions and responses from mental health symptoms, and avoid a punitive approach to incidents of self-harm or suicidality.

这项研究使用来自州惩教机构的数据，检查了监狱中对患有严重精神疾病的人使用隔离的情况。我们的调查显示，严重精神疾病患者 (SMI) 的住房政策与部门政策存在偏差；经常使用隔离作为对自残事件和自杀企图的回应；并且被确定为严重精神疾病损害最严重的人通常被隔离。这些研究结果表明，惩教人员需要将纪律处分和反应与心理健康症状脱钩，并避免对自残或自杀事件采取惩罚性方法。