Predictors of Loneliness Among Court-Involved and Substance Abusing Mothers

Abstract

This study examined predictors of loneliness among 94 urban mothers with a history of substance abuse and criminal justice involvement. The study replicated the finding that loneliness is significantly related to level of substance abuse. Significant predictors of loneliness included co-occurring conditions of the mother, the number of minors in the home, the level of domestic violence, informal social support, and service satisfaction. Based on these findings, the authors suggest that work with substance abusing mothers involved with the criminal justice system should address multiple ecological levels, including characteristics of the mother and her children, partner relations, and informal and formal social supports.

Key Words:

• Criminal justice
• loneliness
• social support
• substance abuse
• substance abusing mothers
• women and criminal justice