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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
09:12
The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
Published on: July 4, 2013
[Prisoners in security cells: a professional challenge].
Jan Stang1, Jens Moe, Inge Arne Teigset
1Kompetansesenter for sikkerhets-, fengsels- og rettspsykiatri for Helseregion Øst og Sør Klinikk for psykiatri, Aker universitetssykehus, Oslo. jan-stan@frisurf.no
Summary
Forced isolation in security cells is a traumatic experience for Oslo inmates. Prison officers and health personnel must collaborate to address the needs of these vulnerable prisoners.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Prisoner Mental Health
Background:
- Approximately 25–30 Oslo inmates annually experience forced isolation in security cells.
- This isolation is frequently a traumatic and degrading experience for prisoners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics of inmates subjected to security cell isolation with those receiving psychiatric services but not secluded.
- To examine the impact of prior psychiatric contact on inmates within security cells.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 30 male inmates in security cells and 30 non-secluded inmates referred to psychiatric services.
- Subgroup analysis within the security cell group based on previous contact with prison psychiatric services.
Main Results:
- Inmates in security cells reported higher levels of restrictions and prior mental hospitalizations compared to non-secluded inmates.
- Security cell inmates with prior psychiatric contact exhibited more negative outcomes than those without such contact.
- Both groups displayed significant challenges with drug use.
Conclusions:
- Prisoners in security cells present a significant professional challenge to prison officers and health personnel.
- Enhanced collaboration between prison staff and healthcare providers is essential to meet the specific needs of inmates in isolation.
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