The Impact of PTSD and Depression on Romantic Attachment Within Incarcerated Romantic Relationships

Abstract

There are currently 2.3 million Americans incarcerated. In 2018, Black males were 5.8 times more likely to be incarcerated than White males. Every aspect of incarcerated individuals’ lives is immensely impacted by the criminal justice system, this includes their romantic relationships. The purpose of this study is to examine if PTSD and depression impact romantic attachment. Using data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering study, our independent variables PTSD and depression used the 4-point Primary Care PTSD Scale (PC-PTSD) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The dependent variable of romantic attachment consisted of four questions regarding close relationships. Our results showed that race, PTSD, and depression are all significant predictors of romantic attachment within incarcerated males and their non-incarcerated romantic partners. Clinical implications and future directions for incarcerated men and their nonincarcerated female romantic partners are provided.

Keywords

incarceration PTSD depression attachment couples

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