Parent-Child Relationships as a Motivation for Improved Behavior Among Prison Inmates

Abstract

<p>There are currently a combined total of 1,613,740 men and women incarcerated in the United States correctional system (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009). Because men and women experience social conditions differently, the needs of both male and female inmates require particular investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine how the amount of contact male and female prison inmates have with their children affects their behavior while they are incarcerated. Results from a sample of 9,706 state and federal prison inmates reflect that the higher the frequency of visitations male and female prison inmates have with their children, the less likely they are to be written up or found guilty of any rule violations while incarcerated. Implications of differential treatment for male and female inmates and the creation of parent‐child based programs are discussed.</p>