Gordon, Adele H. (2021) Lived experiences of women within mental health and criminal justice systems. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

PDF WRAP_Theses_Gordon_2021.pdf - Submitted Version Embargoed item. Restricted access to Repository staff only until 8 September 2023. Contact author directly, specifying your specific needs. - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (3704Kb)

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

Aim: The present systematic review encompassed qualitative research regarding the lived experiences of imprisoned mothers in Western countries separated from their children.
Methods: Three databases (PsychINFO, Web of Science and Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts [ASSIA]) were systematically searched between January 2021 and March 2021 using terms informed by the aim of the review. Grey literature and reference lists were also screened for relevant articles. The search resulted in 16 studies which were relevant to the review aims based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study findings were analysed using Atkins et al.’s (2008) four-step meta-ethnographic process.
Results: Analysis revealed three themes: Motherhood, Guilt and Regret; and Children as Incentives. Maternal identity was characterised by conflicting self-perception as a “good” mother and image of self as a negative role model as a mother. Such experiences resulted in feelings of guilt and regret amongst mothers who accepted that their life choices had compromised their motherly roles. However, opportunities to maintain contact with children and reunify upon release served as an incentive for mothers to rehabilitate.
Conclusions: Imprisoned mothers would benefit from enhanced opportunities to maintain attachment bonds between them and their families, with improved recognition of the dyadic impact of mother-child separation due to imprisonment. Policy recommendations include the implementation of psychologically-informed and compassion-focused approaches to support rehabilitation.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Women prisoners -- Psychological aspects, Women prisoners -- Mental health, Women prisoners -- Family relationships, Children of women prisoners, Absentee mothers, Mother and child, Women, Black -- Mental health services, Psychiatric hospital care -- Case studies, Psychiatric hospital care -- Evaluation
Official Date:	May 2021
Dates:	Date Event May 2021 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Colombo, Anthony ; Liebling, Helen
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	168 leaves : illustrations
Language:	eng

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item