Relational trauma

The Impact on Family Relationships of Maternal Imprisonment

Bibliographic Data

ID6424105
AuthorsDavid Mitchell (0000-0002-2803-5243, corresponding author), S David Mitchell (0000-0003-4152-7901, Northumbria University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume14
Issue4
Pages507-522
Publication date2024-11-29
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFamilies Relationships and Societies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2046-7435 • E-ISSN: 2046-7443
PublisherPolicy Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1332/20467435y2024d000000039
OpenAlexW4404845648
LanguageEN
References cited21

This article presents findings on the impact of maternal imprisonment on wider relationships within the family. Previous research has detailed the significant impact that maternal imprisonment may have on mothers and their children. Relational theory suggests that connections and relationships may be more important for women and that this has an impact on desistance and recovery. This article applies relational theory to the wider impacts of maternal imprisonment, presenting new findings on the intergenerational family impacts. This includes impacts on the mother-child relationship and older children (aged 13+), and mothers’ relationships with kinship carers, particularly grandmothers. The evidence presented shows how relationships within the family are often irreparably harmed by imprisonment and what can be termed ‘relational trauma’. Findings suggest that the significant impact that maternal imprisonment has on the wider family should be considered when sentencing mothers to custodial sentences

Criminology · Developmental psychology · Imprisonment · Kinship · Sociology · Child Abuse and Trauma · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access