Philip Zimbardo, Stanford University psychologist, created quite a stir in 1973 when he published his “prison” study. In the basement of the psychology building at Stanford, he constructed mock cells that were intended to simulate a prison atmosphere. Male participants were recruited from the local community through an advertisement in the newspapers. Twenty-four applicants were chosen after assessments of psychological stability and then assigned randomly to the role of prisoners or prison guards. Guards received uniforms and prisoners wore smocks. The study was planned for two weeks and participants were paid a daily stipend (about $120 in 2026 dollars).
After about 36 hours things began to take a dangerous turn as the simulation was becoming too real. Prisoners became subservient. To gain guards’ favor some made up stories that others were plotting against the guards. Some prisoners rebelled with a hunger strike, but they were put down by guards who had become increasingly authoritarian, even brutal at times. One cell was designated for “good” prisoners who hadn’t joined the rebellion. Those in the privileged cell got better meals, restored uniforms, and other small perks. Over time, the guards weakened prisoner group unity by creating fear and mistrust among the inmates. One prisoner began experiencing uncontrollable emotional outbursts and disorganized thinking. Guards labeled him “weak” but offered a path to stay if he became an informant. Instead, he returned to his cell, warning others: “You can’t leave. You can’t quit.” Zimbardo had to intervene and remind this participant that he was in an experiment and was free to leave at any time. He left.
After 6 days Zimbardo became concerned for the psychological welfare of the participants, and he ended the study. One subject said he was glad it was over because he didn’t like the way he was behaving. Most of the guards found it difficult to believe that they had behaved in the brutal ways they had. Many said they hadn’t known this side of them existed or that they were capable of such things. The prisoners, too, couldn’t believe that they had become so submissive, cowering, and dependent.
Whenever I see a news report showing ICE troopers patrolling the streets or accosting a civilian, I think of psychology studies like Zimbardo’s and cringe, knowing the incredibly dangerous psychological environment those in charge are creating. Psychological research—in addition to the work of Philip Zimbardo, we have Leon Festinger (cognitive dissonance), Martin Seligman (learned helplessness), John Darley and Bibb Latane’ (bystander apathy), Stanley Milgram (obedience to authority), and others—has already sailed those waters and shown that the journey is treacherous. American society has been put on a perilous path that will not end well.
Psychology and Stress 