Exposing Adverse Adolescent Outcomes of Maternal Incarceration

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

We know that children of incarcerated mothers experience many adverse outcomes when a mother goes to prison. However, the mechanisms through which this occurs are not clear. Using both the NLSY79 and NLSY79-Youth data, I explore the respective influences of both maternal and youth criminality and mothers' selection into negative life events precipitated by both her undelying criminal propensity or direct involvement in crime. I find that youths poor developmental outcomes are a function of both low self-control and mothers' and youths' negative life events.

Author

• Constance Chapple, University of Oklahoma