Conflict in the Mother-Child Relationship: The Case of Incarcerated Mothers

• In Event: HIGH-DENSITY: Communicating in and About Families

Abstract

This study examined conflict and the relationship of incarcerated mothers’ parenting style and attitudes regarding the parent-child relationship. Fifty incarcerated mothers in the central U.S. participated in in-depth interviews and individual self-report surveys. Findings indicate incarcerated mothers most frequently used an authoritative parenting style in conflict situations that ended positively, and authoritarian style in conflict that ended negatively. Further, a positive relationship between incarcerated mothers’ authoritative parenting style and both satisfaction with parenting and emotional and social support within the parenting role. When anticipating changing their parenting style, incarcerated mothers most often cited an authoritative style as desirable. In summary, the study suggests that parenting style may prove an important factor for support in reducing recidivism.

Authors

• Jill Rudd, Cleveland State U

• Kimberly Neuendorf, Cleveland State U

• Alicia Romano, Beech Brook Organization

• Clare Gross, U of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

• George B. Ray, Cleveland State U

• David J. Atkin, U of Connecticut