Attachment Representations and Parental Memories of Incarcerated Fathers

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a study designed to apply attachment theory concepts to a group of incarcerated fathers in a minimum-security facility. Participants in this convenience sample were either immediate graduates of a 13-week parenting skills program or currently involved in the parenting skills program. This exploratory study sought to examine first, whether the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) could effectively determine current mental representations of attachment relationships with a group of incarcerated fathers. Secondly, to gain further knowledge of this population regarding the impact of familial aspects by use of a survey measure, along with two other standardized measures were implemented. Thirty-eight voluntary subjects participated in the intensive AAI in scheduled individual sessions, completing child abuse additional measures. Differences among a three-category adult attachment classifications and five-category attachment classifications were identified. Both qualitative and quantitative results are discussed.

Towards the Incorporation of Forgiveness Therapy in Healing the Complex Trauma of Parental Incarceration

“…Parental involvement with the criminal justice system leading to incarceration, even when relatively brief, may cause severe and multifaceted life disruption for the minor child (Fairchild 2009;Harman et al 2007;Miller 2006;Farrington 2005, 2006;Petersilia 2001). The experience of parental incarceration may be superimposed upon other risk laden issues such as poverty and domestic violence (Parke and Clarke-Stewart 2003).…”

“…The majority of opportunities for effective parent-child interaction are removed making positive attachment and social control difficult (Fairchild 2009). …”

“…There may be abrupt modifications in child care arrangements and in some cases, out of home placement (Fairchild 2009;Hanlon et al 2007). …”

Father and son: Two generations through prison

“…There is a large literature on the families of prisoners and challenges faced during and following the incarceration of a family member (see studies cited in Dennison et al, 2005; King, 2005; Mills and Codd, 2007; Travis and Waul, 2003; Woodward, 2003). Particular attention has been given to children of incarcerated parents (Boswell and Wedge, 2002; Glaze and Maruschak, 2008; Hagan, 1996; Larman and Aungles, 1993; Mumola, 2000; Quilty et al, 2004; Schirmer et al, 2009), to problems specific to being an incarcerated father (Arditti et al, 2005; Dyer, 2005; Fairchild, 2009; Maldonado, 2006) or incarcerated mother (Browne, 1989; Dallaire, 2007; Greene et al, 2000; Michalsen et al, 2010; Poehlmann, 2005), and to problems commencing or resuming the role of a parent post-release (Foster and Hagan, 2009; Nurse, 2000). The effects of parental imprisonment have been analysed in terms of children’s subsequent involvement in crime over the life course (Murray and Farrington, 2005; Murray et al, 2007), and on rare occasions, through the eyes of children (see, for example, Nesmith and Ruhland, 2008).…”