Both low self-esteem and depression have been linked to inadequate coping skills. However, no indication of deterioration in coping repertoire over time spent incarcerated was found. These studies suggest that a prisoner with poor coping mechanisms is likely to suffer from low self-esteem and depression, amplifying the negative psychological impact of incarceration. One adaptation is indifference , when an individual is apathetic towards what is happening to her and others during incarceration. Other individual demonstrate defiance by refusing to cooperate with the staff.
Colonization is when an inmate feels relatively more content inside the institution than outside.
Lastly, those who conform to the rules not out of respect but because it leads to their release cope using ritualistic compliance. The coping mechanisms are also assessed through exploratory interview questions, designed to explain why some incarcerated females do not suffer from low self-esteem. It is expected that those who cope better have higher self-esteem levels. However, due to the inconsistent results observed in prior studies, the expectation of changes in self-esteem level as a result of incarceration are uncertain. Eleven young women in custody at a county juvenile hall volunteered to be interviewed.