Bradshaw, Daragh and Creaven, Ann-Marie and Muldoon, Orla T (2021) Parental incarceration affects children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes: A longitudinal cohort study of children aged 9 to 13 years. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 45, (4), pp. 310-316. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025421995918.
External website: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0165...
Parental incarceration (PI) is negatively associated with emotional, educational, and psychological child outcomes. However, few studies explore potential mechanisms through which these outcomes are transmitted or the means by which prosocial outcomes might develop. This study used data from two waves of a population cohort study of children aged 9 years and followed up aged 13 years living in Ireland. Children and parents (N = 8,568) completed measures of PI, primary caregiver (PCG) depression, PCG-child relationship quality, and child behavioral adjustment. We then conducted a secondary analysis on this national longitudinal study of children in Ireland. Using sequential mediation models, we observed a mediated indirect effect of PI on prosocial outcomes via PCG depression and PCG-child relationship quality. PI at age 9 was associated with increased difficulties and reduced prosocial behavior at age 13. Additionally, PI at age 9 affected PCG depression and the PCG-child relationship quality. Additionally, child prosocial outcomes, and emotional and behavioral difficulties were less apparent where PI had a weaker effect on PCG depression and the quality of PCG-child relationship. Supports that can mitigate the impact of PI for vulnerable caregivers and children are discussed.
F Concepts in psychology > Psychological stress / emotional trauma / adversity
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family relations > Family role
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family and substance use > Substance related family problems
MM-MO Crime and law > Justice system > Correctional system and facility > Prison
T Demographic characteristics > Adolescent / youth (teenager / young person)
T Demographic characteristics > Person in prison (prisoner)
T Demographic characteristics > Affected family members / concerned persons
T Demographic characteristics > Child of person who uses substances
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland > Limerick
Repository Staff Only: item control page