Who has the power? Manipulating and reclaiming social support in solitary confinement.

This article examines the role of familial social support for incarcerated men housed in solitary confinement, specifically within Intensive Management Units (IMUs) of the Washington State Department of Corrections. It finds that restrictive communication policies in solitary—such as limited visitation rights, reduced phone access, and narrow definitions of eligible visitors—significantly hinder prisoners' ability to maintain relationships with loved ones, which in turn exacerbates psychological distress and isolation. Conversely, those able to sustain familial attachments benefit from emotional, material, and advocacy support that helps them cope with the extreme conditions of isolation by reclaiming prosocial identities and psychological stability. The study highlights how solitary confinement policies not only intensify the pains of imprisonment but also jeopardize social networks critical for incarcerated persons' wellbeing and successful reintegration, suggesting the need for prison reforms that facilitate family contact during isolation.