Title

Examining the Relationship between Paternal Incarceration, Maternal Stress, and Harsh Parenting Behaviors

Author(s)

Jerrett Jones Jerrett Jones (University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Abstract

In response to rise of incarceration, there is a burgeoning literature examining the consequences of incarceration on families. Research has suggested that incarceration negatively impacts the well-being of partners connected to men with an incarceration history. However, research examining the effects of imprisonment on partners of former offenders remains underdeveloped. This area of research has yet to adequately address the methodological challenges associated with selection bias. This paper uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N= 2,819) to examine the effect of paternal incarceration on maternal stress and harsh parenting behaviors. Using multiple methods and accounting for a rich set of covariates associated with incarceration, results run counter to existing literature. More specifically, after accounting for selection processes, the results suggest no relationship between paternal incarceration, maternal stress and harsh parenting behaviors. Research needs to address preexisting disadvantages that select partners to associating with criminal offenders.

Creation Date

2013-01

Section URL ID

CRCW

Paper Number

WP13-03-FF.pdf

URL

https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/wp13-03-ff.pdf

File Function

Jel

J120, J180, I000, J130, D130

Keyword(s)

prison, parenting, children, incarceration, fathers

Suppress

false

Series

8