Romantic Attachment, Childhood Stability, Depression, and PTSD in Couples with an Incarcerated Partner

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Corrections and Incarcerative Experiences

Abstract

Incarceration has a multitude of effects on prisoners’ finances, health, education, employment, and family relationships. Incarceration complicates the maintenance of attachment bonds between romantic partners. Data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering were analyzed to examine the effects of childhood stability on adult romantic attachment while controlling for PTSD and depression. Findings indicate that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression have statistically significant effects on adult romantic attachment. PTSD on romantic attachment for men is statistically significant (p < 0.05) at −0.193. For women, the effect is statistically significant (p < 0.01) at −0.235. Effects of depression on romantic attachment for men is statistically significant (p < 0.001) −0.129. For women, depression is also statistically significant (p < 0.001) at −0.153. We examined the effects of childhood stability on adult romantic attachment while controlling for the effects of PTSD and depression. Findings supported our hypothesis that individuals with better childhood stability will experience better romantic attachments. Findings related to our hypothesis that having a partner with better childhood stability is positively associated with better romantic attachment produced mixed results. Clinical implications are discussed, and future directions call for research, practice, and training.

Author

• Eman Tadros, Governors State University