The impact of incarceration on coparenting: A review of the literature

Abstract

Incarceration effects various facets of family structure and the system as a whole. Relationships may suffer immensely due to the consequences of incarceration, particularly the coparenting relationship. The purpose of this literature review is to compile and analyze scholarly works in order to examine incarceration and its multiple layers that contribute to parenting, coparenting, and the impact of this relationship on the overarching family system. The focus is to synthesize literature regarding incarceration, incarcerated parenting, coparenting, and incarcerated coparenting. Additionally, this review discusses the complex issues surrounding incarceration and its impact on the coparenting relationship. Clinical implications are provided to ensure best treatment practices and to advocate for marriage and family therapists to be employed in correctional settings.