Early Relational Health: Infants' Experiences Living with Their Incarcerated Mothers. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Condon, Marie-Celeste
• Is Part Of: Smith College studies in social work. Volume 87:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Infant observation -- infants of incarcerated mothers -- relational health -- residential parenting program; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Dissertations, Academic -- United States -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 361.3
• DOI: 10.1080/00377317.2017.1246218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0037-7317

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Little is known about the experiences and inner worlds of infants who live with their parents in prison-based residential programs. Infant observation and qualitative methods were used to study the experiences of seventeen infants living with their incarcerated mothers in a women's correctional facility. Glimpses into their inner worlds provide insights into factors that hearten and hinder early relational health. Practitioners and parents can use a relational health approach to recognize and cultivate budding capacities in infant-parent relationships. The researcher discusses the usefulness and relevance of infants' accounts for communities of practice and research.