Examining Social Support Among Adult Children of Incarcerated Parents

Abstract

Parental incarceration is related to many challenges and risks, yet we know little about resilience among this population. This study examined how social support contributed to the resilience of a sample of adult children of incarcerated parents. In‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 college students who had experienced parental incarceration during their childhoods. Social support from caring adults, including caregivers, incarcerated parents, grandparents, older siblings, teachers, and coaches helped facilitate success in light of parental criminality and incarceration. In particular, these adults promoted resilience in 3 ways: (a) providing access to conventional activities, (b) supporting a vision of a better life, and (c) encouraging turning points. Implications for those who work with children of incarcerated parents are discussed.

University students/graduates who have experienced parental incarceration: A qualitative exploratory study of protective processes

“…In this case, the existing research indicates that children who experience parental imprisonment typically have poor education experiences and outcomes (McCrickard and Flynn, 2016). Accessing higher education was therefore used as an indicator of resilience in this study, informed by the approach taken by Luther (2015). Although there are many representations of resilience, educational success is a considerable, as well as obvious, indicator.…”

Parental incarceration and child outcomes: Those at risk, evidence of impacts, methodological insights, and areas of future work

“…Over the last 15 years, quantitative sociological research assessing the impact of parental incarceration on child outcomes has been plentiful, particularly juxtaposed to the relative dearth of qualitative studies within the discipline of sociology (exceptions include Giordano, ; Giordano & Copp, ; Luther, ). This is problematic given that, while quantitative research has been exceptionally apt to test and validate existing theories about when and how parental incarceration might affect children's outcomes, it is less able to explain why and through what mechanisms children are affected, and to account for the nuances of individuals' experiences.…”

“…Multidisciplinary work outside of sociology has been at the forefront of identifying processes that lessen the effects of strain, stigma, and trauma in children's and families lives, such as support networks that help to belay stigma among jail visitors (Arditti, ) and activity and church‐based healthy outlets and coping mechanisms for emotions (Nesmith & Ruhland, ). Within sociology, Giordano () points to the role of identities, spirituality and religious involvement, long‐term goals, and the presence and support of caring adults as protective factors (see also Luther, ) in the most resilient children in her sample. Future sociological studies should continue this work, as understanding these factors that influence children's resilience is essential if we are to design programs and policies to best address the needs of impacted children.…”

Intergenerational offending

“…see Poehlmann and Eddy, 2013:2) for research to "not overshadow our examination of possible resilience processes in these children" and to remember that some children with these experiences thrive and do well, despite adversity. Indeed, it is argued by Luther (2015) Unsurprisingly, given the broader resilience literature (Centre on the Developing Child, 2015), these include individual, familial and community factors. Individual traits such as above-average intelligence, easy temperament and pro-social attitudes were identified, while influential familial factors included a close relationship with at least one parent and clear parental supervision.…”

“…As a result, there has been a focus in recent decades on understanding the intergenerational transmission of criminal behaviour, with particular emphasis on identifying risk factors. But the mechanisms by which these intergenerational patterns are generated are not well understood and even less is known about how such patterns may be resisted (Flynn, 2013;Luther, 2015). There is, however, growing recognition that both resilience (Richardson, 2002;Lösel and Farrington, 2012;) -the ability to thrive despite adversity -and social capital, allow those in challenging situations to 'get on' (Putnam, 2000).…”