Mental health, perceived consensus of coparenting, and physical health among incarcerated fathers and their nonincarcerated, romantic partners.

Abstract

Incarcerated fathers and their coparenting partners experience serious challenges to their health and well-being. Romantic involvement and coparenting suggests that mental health and consensus of coparenting may predict the physical health of not only the individual, but also their partner. Data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting and Partnering was used to examine 483 romantically involved coparents. Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling showed a significant link between mental and physical health for each dyad member as well as a significant link between perceived consensus of coparenting from men to women, indicating that women whose partners reported a higher perceived consensus of coparenting also reported better physical health.

Missing Moments and Requesting Encouragement: The Experiences and Consequences of Having an Incarcerated Loved One

“…As previously noted, both internal and external support creates the greatest outcomes for not only individuals postincarceration, but their families as well (Besemer et al, 2017; Folk et al, 2019; Tadros et al, 2022). However, there is a need for training and teaching for incarcerated individuals as well as their families about what to expect when they reenter the family system and society (Tadros, Hutcherson et al, 2022; Tadros & Morgan, 2022).…”

“…Incarceration creates a multitude of negative impacts on partners and children of the incarcerated (Durante et al, 2023; Tadros, Fahmy et al, 2023). Oftentimes, children and family members experience concerns regarding both their physical and mental health, such as stress-induced health conditions, anxiety, and depression (Cassidy et al, 2010; Dolwick Grieb et al, 2014; Kamptner et al, 2017; Provenchera & Conway, 2019; Tadros, Durante et al, 2022; Tadros, Durante et al, 2022). Additionally, the displacement of incarceration can lead to a tumultuous relationship for parents, as these relationships often result in higher academic punishment for teenage children compared to children who have separated and never re-coupled parents (Turney & Halpern-Meekin, 2020).…”

Supportive Communication Skills as a Protective Factor Among Couples Experiencing Incarceration

“…Incarceration can put stress on relationships and contribute to negative financial, physical, and mental health outcomes for the non-incarcerated partners left behind (Arditti et al, 2003; Bruns, 2019; DeHart et al, 2018; McKay et al, 2018; Tadros, Durante, McKay, et al, 2022). Incarcerated individuals and/or their partners might disengage from their intimate relationship for many reasons.…”

“Not for the Weak”: The Lived Experience of Women in Romantic Relationships With Incarcerated Individuals

“…The overall stress of a family member being incarcerated is noteworthy, for all members of the family system (DeHart et al, 2018). Incarceration has shown to cause negative effects and dysfunction within coparenting relationships (Tadros & Ansell, 2022; Tadros, Durante et al, 2021; 2022; Tadros & Durante, 2022; Tadros, Fanning et al, 2021; Tadros & Ogden, 2020). Given that high-quality romantic relationships are positively associated with healthy parenting and relationship longevity among adults, as well as positively associated with child well-being, it’s critical to understand the potentially complex relationship between incarceration and relationship quality (Turney, 2015).…”