Understanding The Impact Of Incarceration On Family Mental Health

Incarceration is a significant social issue with effects that extend far beyond the individual behind bars. The impact of incarceration on family mental health is profound, often affecting the physical and psychological well-being of family members left behind. Families can face a host of challenges, from economic hardships to emotional distress, often leading to poor mental health consequences. Understanding these effects may help affected families address the broader public health implications and improve their support systems. 

How incarceration impacts individuals

The initial effects of incarceration tend to fall on the individual behind bars. Incarceration often results in significant psychological, social, and economic consequences. 

Research shows that a concerningly high number of people with mental health disorders receive prison and jail time. While incarcerated, inmates may experience:

Mental health and social reintegration

Existing or developing symptoms of mental health conditions are often exacerbated by the isolating and harsh conditions of prison life. An article published by the Prison Policy Initiative explains, “incarceration itself perpetuates this problem by creating and worsening symptoms of mental illness.” 

Socially, incarceration can sever family ties and disrupt social networks, leaving individuals alienated and stigmatized. Furthermore, the stigma associated with imprisonment can hinder reintegration into society, often making it challenging for former inmates to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

How incarceration affects children and families

The impact of incarceration extends beyond the incarcerated individual, often affecting one’s family members. Family members, especially children, may experience a sense of abandonment, shame, and stigma, which can have lasting effects on their mental and physical health. Incarceration often disrupts family structures, potentially leading to increased stress, anxiety, and economic challenges. 

Family mental health and child well-being

The absence of a family member can strain the remaining family dynamics, placing additional responsibilities on other family members, leading to further stress and poor mental health outcomes. According to a 2010 Pew Charitable Trust report, “more than 1.1 million men and 120,000 women in U. jails and prisons have children under the age of 17, and 2.7 million children nationwide have one or both parents behind bars.”

Children's health outcomes

Children of incarcerated parents are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of incarceration. The separation caused by parental incarceration can contribute to various mental health problems, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Behavioral issues
• Disrupted attachments
• Trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships with peers

Social and economic challenges

The incarceration of a parent or family member often results in significant social and economic challenges. Families may lose a primary income provider, leading to financial instability and poverty. Research shows that the rising number of incarcerated fathers is linked to higher rates of homelessness in children. This finding may be the result of incarceration depleting family finances and placing additional burdens on the non-incarcerated, remaining parent if the child has one. 

Economic strain may exacerbate stress and contribute to physical and mental health issues. Additionally, the stigma associated with having an incarcerated family member can lead to social isolation and reduced access to support networks. 

For the incarcerated individual, the negative impact of an arrest record tends to continue after release. Even without a conviction or charge, former inmates can face many barriers when pursuing gainful employment after serving time. These challenges are further exacerbated by policies that ban people with certain convictions from receiving cash welfare and food stamps, as well as broader policies that limit their access to subsidized housing.

The social stigma and economic challenges surrounding incarceration can create a cycle of poor physical and mental health outcomes for everyone involved, making it difficult for families to break free from the negative effects.

Examining the public health implications of incarceration

High prison admission rates may not only affect the immediate family members of those behind bars. Research shows high rates of incarceration have profound effects on the health of entire communities and neighborhoods. 

An article published by The Atlantic explores the extensive social and public health impacts of high incarceration rates in communities that see a significant portion of their residents incarcerated. The article explains, “Residents of neighborhoods with high incarceration rates endure disproportionate stress since these communities face disrupted social and family networks alongside elevated rates of crime and infectious diseases.”

Additional studies found that residents in areas with high incarceration rates are significantly more likely to live with a mental health disorder. This means that high incarceration rates affect everyone in the community, not just those who are imprisoned. 

Similar studies, as well as documentaries, suggest that the current approach to criminal justice may be contributing to these problems, revealing that harsher sentencing and higher incarceration rates do not necessarily reduce crime. Instead, they may create more problems, like mental health challenges and ongoing poverty. This cycle of incarceration and poverty can be challenging to break, as families and communities struggle with the constant loss and stress of having family members or loved ones in prison. 

Support options 

Therapy can often play a crucial role in supporting incarcerated individuals and their families, providing a platform for emotional expression, healing, and personal growth. For inmates, therapy may address underlying issues like trauma, addiction, and anger management, fostering rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. 

Supporting families through therapy

In therapy, families may improve communication, understanding, and coping strategies, thereby helping them maintain strong relationships despite physical separation. A therapist may also help these individuals work through the mental health impacts of having an incarcerated loved one.

Key therapeutic approaches and techniques may include: 

• Trauma-informed care
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral family therapy (CBT and CBFT)
• Family systems therapy
• Grief and crisis management
• Attachment-based therapy
• Supportive psychotherapy 

However, it may be difficult to access therapy in one’s area, especially when facing financial barriers. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible. 

Benefits of online therapy for mental health support

Online therapy can make mental health support more accessible and affordable. Online platforms often eliminate logistical barriers, such as transportation and scheduling conflicts. Additionally, specific online therapy platforms may offer unique tools like support groups, journaling prompts, worksheets, and goal tracking. 

Studies have found that internet-based therapy can be as effective as, if not more effective than, in-person therapy. In one study, internet therapy was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of mental illness in family members living with a family member with severe mental illness, as well as chronic stress impacting the family unit.