The Stanford Prison Experiment – When Role-Playing Turns to Reality

2025-03-21

What happens when ordinary people are placed in positions of absolute power—or total submission? In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we take a deep dive into the Stanford Prison Experiment, one of the most infamous psychological studies in history. Conducted in 1971 by Dr. Philip Zimbardo, this experiment was meant to simulate prison life—but it quickly spiraled out of control. From psychological breakdowns to disturbing abuses of power, the study exposed just how easily people can conform to the roles of

What happens when ordinary people are placed in positions of absolute power—or total submission? In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we take a deep dive into the Stanford Prison Experiment, one of the most infamous psychological studies in history.

Conducted in 1971 by Dr. Philip Zimbardo, this experiment was meant to simulate prison life—but it quickly spiraled out of control. From psychological breakdowns to disturbing abuses of power, the study exposed just how easily people can conform to the roles of oppressor and victim.

We’ll break down:
🔹 The shocking events that unfolded inside Stanford’s mock prison
🔹 How quickly the guards became authoritarian—and the prisoners became submissive
🔹 Why Zimbardo ended the experiment early and how it changed psychology forever
🔹 The controversial legacy of the study and its connections to real-world prison abuse, including Abu Ghraib

Was this experiment a groundbreaking revelation or an unethical disaster? Let’s get into it.

Learn more here: https://naturallyofftopic.podbean.com/p/the-stanford-prison-experiment-%e2%80%93-a-psychological-descent-into-power-and-control/

🎙️ New episode drops Friday, March 21st! Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

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