RT Article
T1 “It Makes Him Feel Even Farther Away”: Disruptions in Communication Among Families Impacted by Incarceration During the COVID-19 Pandemic
JF Criminal justice and behavior
VO 50
IS 12
SP 1827
OP 1851
A1 Boppre, Breanna
A2 Novisky, Meghan A.
LA English
YR 2023
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1869952308
AB The COVID-19 pandemic impacted people across the globe but left particular risks and restrictions for incarcerated people. Lockdowns and the suspension of in-person visitation in U.S. facilities drastically changed everyday life for incarcerated people and their families. Families on the outside were left with less contact with their incarcerated loved ones. This study explores access to communication during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of families with incarcerated loved ones in the United States. We conducted two rounds of interviews with family members across 20 states (n = 59). Results of our thematic analysis reveal stressors encountered by families during the pandemic, including worry and frustration around uncertainty in communication, disconnected relationships due to visitation closure, and additional financial and emotional burdens. Interviewees noted the importance of social support in coping with these stressors. We discuss theoretical and policy implications followed by future directions.
K1 Qualitative methods
K1 Prisoners
K1 Prisons
K1 Parental incarceration
K1 Incarceration
DO 10.1177/00938548231206535