Family implications during deprivation of liberty and Attachment Theory: a qualitative metasynthesis

Abstract

Objectives: to synthesize evidence from qualitative studies about the implications that the deprivation of liberty process has on incarcerated adults’ family relationships. Methods: a qualitative meta-synthesis, carried out in January 2021, by searching for publications indexed in six databases. The sample consisted of 10 studies, which were analyzed by MaxQDA®, and an interpretative synthesis was performed based on Attachment Theory. Results: based on first-order concepts, it was possible to synthesize second- and third-order concepts and present them in two interpretive context units: Strategies for strengthening family ties; Relationships that contribute to breaking down family ties. It was evidenced that visits, phone calls and letters favor the strengthening of secure attachment. Final Considerations: incarceration causes consequences in tie formation, reflecting on the attachment process between family members.