Psychodynamics of shame in prison: The Russian dolls of shame

Objectives. - Shame is omnipresent in jail, often in the shadows or hidden behind the masks of other affects. However, psychological research in a forensic context has paid little attention to this feeling. Method. - This present qualitative study, conducted at a Paris suburban jail, is based on psychotherapeutic interviews and group discussions on parenthood with inmates. Results. - Shame first reveals itself silently through body language: shifty eyes, sweaty palms, stooped shoulders. Then it becomes more apparent when incarcerated individuals expose their personal background, the origin of their delinquent behavior, or their everyday life in prison. Discussion. - We posit that shame is structural and cumulative in the life of incarcerated individuals, nested like five Russian dolls in their psyche: first, shame germinates in their social and cultural environment; secondly, it roots itself in the experience of violence and trauma; then it is revealed at the heart of the psychodynamics of crime; it is amplified by imprisonment; and lastly, while still in jail, shame is transmitted to the next generation. Conclusion. - Our research has demonstrated the prevalence of shame in the psychodynamics of inmates. Further research could focus on defining specific psychotherapeutic approaches that can help them overcome shame. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.