The social distancing and alienation is a defense mechanism against exploitation. The lack of social control in the immediate jail atmosphere makes psychological investments in connections unforeseen and risky.

In addition, because many adult correctional facilities are clearly risky locations without escape or exit, inmates become hyper-vigilant and always alert for signs of personal risk or threat. From the high-level presence of individuals in their immediate atmosphere positioned to maximize on the weak point or exploit inattention or carelessness, suspicion and interpersonal distrust often arises. Some inmates learn to project a challenging convict veneer, which threatens others. Indeed, many inmates "believe that unless offenders can project a picture that provides the possibility of a crime, they might be taken over and exploited throughout the length of their sentence." The development and occurrence of psychological sickness in correctional facilities also arise from the atmosphere generated in the facilities, which creates an...
[ View Full Essay]