The impact of paternal incarceration on the transitional period of early adolescence

Abstract

This study explores the coping strategies fostered by a pair of adolescent siblings during a period of time in their life when their father was incarcerated. This research examines how these young adolescents adapt to living in such an environment, the negotiation of this risk and the development of resiliency. A family, comprised of a mother and two siblings, and two friends of the youngsters, were chosen to participate in this study, and were each interviewed in order to develop a an explanatory framework about the coping strategies developed, and the impact the incarceration had on their identity formation and interpersonal relationships. The data indicates that during this traumatic time, the siblings managed to attain coping skills such as, social support from friends and family members, and negotiating leadership within the family unit. They also ran into obstacles such as stigma, shame and labeling, but also managed to overcome these tribulations. Factors such as economic security, social support systems and the emotional intelligence of family members assisted them with this procedure. At the end of it all, although the siblings could have fallen into the excitement of engaging in risk behaviours, they managed to foster a resilient lifestyle. This study concludes with recommendations for research, policy and service development.