Conceptualizing Incarcerated Coparenting Through a Structural Family Theory Lens

Abstract

The incarceration of a family member often has repercussions in various facets of an individual’s life. In particular, the disruption of the coparenting relationship, by which parents negotiate roles, rules, responsibilities, and contributions to their shared child can be conceptualized through a Structural Family Therapy (SFT) lens. The systemic, present-oriented therapeutic approach of SFT can provide families caught in the chaos of legal turmoil, as well as a myriad of exacerbating factors (e.g., financial burdens, lack of physical presence, etc.), a means of achieving clarity and adaptability, which ultimately facilitates healthy family dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the complexities of incarcerated coparenting and display the benefits of utilizing the components and techniques of SFT to conceptualize this relationship while one parent is incarcerated.

Keywords:

• clinical implications
• coparenting
• family therapy
• incarceration
• structural family therapy