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

Jerrett Jones
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Jerrett Jones: University of Wisconsin - Madison

No 1444, Working Papers from Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing.

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.

Keywords: prison; parenting; children; incarceration; fathers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D13 I00 J12 J13 J18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-01
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