NCJ Number
146826
Date Published
1992
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This book reports on a study that examined the impact of incarceration on the lives of inmates and their families and describes an innovative program that allows selected inmates incarcerated in New York State facilities to have extended family visits.
Abstract
After a review of the existing literature pertaining to the effect of incarceration on inmates and their families, and the importance of visits to maintaining family relationships, the book describes the research questions that were investigated as well as the study methodology and characteristics of the 63 inmates and 39 wives who were included in the study. The findings showed that, despite the level of stress experienced by these families, both inmates and wives were coping well compared with norms from a standardized coping measure developed from a representative cross-section of families. Some of the effective coping skills identified in the study included cognitive strategies, communication, and family support for the wives. The problems that manifested themselves in these marriages tended to be evident in their adaptability, in terms of marital leadership, roles, and relationship rules. The inmates placed great emphasis on their roles as fathers and felt emotionally close to their children. New York State's Family Reunion Program (FRP) enabled inmates and their families to experience limited aspects of a normal family life, but results showed that participation in FRP was unrelated to most variables of marital functioning that were under consideration. 6 tables and 130 references