Mosaic of Despair describes the variety of stress transactions that occur in a setting - the prison - which is intended to be uncomfortable or punitive. The study offers an opportunity to view stress and personal crises in a real life context. This context has public policy relevance, because an increasing number of citizens must face confinement and the problems it presents. This book presents the scope and methods of the research, and discusses three major types of personal breakdowns that reflect difficulties in coping and adjusting to the environment, perception of self and one's relationship to others, and impulse management. There is also an examination of the relationship between crisis themes and personal background factors and discussion on how factors such as sex and ethnic background relate to coping strategies. Psychological autopsies of men who committed suicide in prison are presented. Finally, the book reviews the implications of the author's findings for crisis intervention efforts and also explores some issues related to the prevention management, and amelioration of breakdowns. The book has been revised and updated from a publication previously published by Aldine Publishing Company.