Abstract
The aim of this narrative literature review chapter was twofold: (a) summarize the information available in scholarly journals about the demographics of incarcerated mothers, the characteristics of incarcerated mothers, the mother-child contact during incarceration, and alternative-to-incarceration programs; and (b) identify gaps in the literature and propose recommendations for future research. An electronic search was initiated using PsycINFO, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. A total of 39 articles were included in this chapter. Results reveal that incarcerated mothers have unique demographic characteristics and suffer from an array of psychiatric disorders. The symptomology of these psychiatric disorders is further exacerbated by sporadic mother-child contact. Several alternative-to-incarceration programs have been developed to promote mother-child contact and bring about positive mental health outcomes for them. Recommendations for future research have been proposed so as to provide a more in-depth understanding of this vulnerable population.
TopMethods
As a narrative literature review aims at identifying gaps in the knowledge base and offering recommendations for future research (Kuziemsky &Yin, 2017), it was chosen as the most suitable approach to guide this paper. A narrative literature review “attempts to summarize and synthesize what has been written on a topic, but does not seek generalization from what is reviewed” (p. 161). Green et al.’s (2006) framework for launching narrative literature reviews guided this paper. It has three stages: (a) specify research question(s), (b) select relevant articles, and (c) identify inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Alternative-to-Incarceration (ATI) Programs: Programs which offer rehabilitative services to non-violent offenders, instead of sending them to state or federal prisons.
Incarceration: Is the state of being held in prison for committing a crime.
Demographics: Refer to data (e.g., race, age, marital status, etc.) about a particular population.
Mother-Child Contact: The amount of interaction between mothers and their children.
Narrative Literature Review: A comprehensive and critical analysis of the current knowledge on a topic.