ABSTRACT
In this article, we utilize quantitative and qualitative data from the Multi-Site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering (MFS-IP) to examine couple relationships during men’s reentry. Couples were significantly less likely to report they were in an intimate relationship after release than during incarceration, and rated relationship happiness significantly lower postrelease. Qualitative data indicates that reentry presents new challenges, and obstacles to contact during incarceration reverberate in relationships postrelease. Policy and programming support could help justice-involved couples maintain contact during incarceration and assist in strengthening couples’ communication as they prepare for the male partner’s return to the community.
Acknowledgement
The authors wish to thank Ms. Linda Mellgren and Ms. Erica Meade of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Creasie Finney Hairston of the University of Illinois School of Social Work.
Notes
One member of the couple had to report that the couple was married or romantically involved at the first postrelease interview for the couple to be classified as in an intimate relationship.