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The parenting possible selves of young fathers in prison

The parenting possible selves of young fathers in prison
The parenting possible selves of young fathers in prison
Drawing on the social psychological concept of possible selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986, American Psychologist, 41, 954-969), this paper explores the parenting aspirations and concerns of young fathers in prison. Hoped, feared and present parenting possible selves were generated by 39 young adult prisoners, all aged between 18 and 21 years and parent to at least one child. The frequencies and sub-themes of the different categories of parenting possible selves are presented and discussed. Of particular relevance are issues surrounding separation from the child and re-establishing relationships after release from prison, but substance use, violence and the intergenerational transmission of parenting are also prominent themes. The utility of a possible selves questionnaire as a data collection tool in prisons is discussed and findings are explored in the context of delivering parenting education in prisons, developing interventions targeting young fathers after release, and future research directions.
social psychology, fathers, young offenders, parenting, possible selves, prison
1068-316X
371-382
Meek, Rosie
018e0d68-7b66-483c-b769-1d4583cb4d85
Meek, Rosie
018e0d68-7b66-483c-b769-1d4583cb4d85

Meek, Rosie (2007) The parenting possible selves of young fathers in prison. Psychology, Crime, and Law, 13 (4), 371-382. (doi:10.1080/10683160601060614).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Drawing on the social psychological concept of possible selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986, American Psychologist, 41, 954-969), this paper explores the parenting aspirations and concerns of young fathers in prison. Hoped, feared and present parenting possible selves were generated by 39 young adult prisoners, all aged between 18 and 21 years and parent to at least one child. The frequencies and sub-themes of the different categories of parenting possible selves are presented and discussed. Of particular relevance are issues surrounding separation from the child and re-establishing relationships after release from prison, but substance use, violence and the intergenerational transmission of parenting are also prominent themes. The utility of a possible selves questionnaire as a data collection tool in prisons is discussed and findings are explored in the context of delivering parenting education in prisons, developing interventions targeting young fathers after release, and future research directions.

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More information

Published date: June 2007
Keywords: social psychology, fathers, young offenders, parenting, possible selves, prison

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 48060
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/48060
ISSN: 1068-316X
PURE UUID: cace0e1b-55ed-4c26-84bd-47c12208dc74

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Date deposited: 23 Aug 2007
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 09:42

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Author: Rosie Meek

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