Psychology of Confinement and Intersections of Imposter Syndrome

The “imposter syndrome behind bars” is the feeling many prisoners have that they do not deserve personal development, educational achievements or rehabilitative accomplishments while incarcerated. In the context of jail and prison, there are many have layers of profound internalized self-doubt as a result of society's bias against criminalized identity and the resolutely stratified nature of life behind bars. When prisoners accomplish something going to school, teaching other prisoners or taking part in therapy programs, as they can feel internally conflicted as to whether it has been real, if it is only them performing. This chapter emphasizes on that how prisoners' dissonance slips into the personal stories of society portraying them as what they did, denying their humanity and truthfulness. The also supporting environments and help much in affirming positive identity rebuilding.