The Maltese couple’s experience after incarceration : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study explores the lived experience of Maltese couples where the male partner experienced incarceration. It is a qualitative study using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two Maltese heterosexual couples were interviewed both as a couple and also individually. A social constructionist framework, resilience theory, and family systems theory supported the systemic interpretation of the findings. The main findings of this study show how couples go through several challenges during the incarceration period, including financial burden, negative stigma, and physical separation. Despite these challenges, couples exhibited a sense of mutual connection towards each other, and they managed to overcome this period together. A sense of support and trust towards their partner was shown by the female participants, which positively influenced their partner to be determined to reform themselves. A number of protective factors were also found that supported the couple's subsystem to stay hopeful for the future. The focus on the reintegration programme and its benefits, which both male participants attended, highlights the significant support that the incarcerated partner, their spouse, and family found helpful in reintegrating back into the community.