Date of Conferral

2-8-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Kecia Freeman

Abstract

Families of incarcerated individuals are impacted by the incarceration of their loved ones, especially those who had parents incarcerated during their childhood. Black individuals comprise a disproportionate rate of people affected by the circumstance of having incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parents. As a result, Black children of incarcerated parents often exhibit childhood trauma. Current evidence revealed that there is little data regarding how childhood trauma impacted the individuals’ perceptions of resiliency as they transitioned from childhood into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of adult Blacks regarding their former childhood experiences with resiliency and their incarcerated/formerly incarcerated parents. Semistructured interviews with 11 adult participants who were children of formerly incarcerated or incarcerated parents were conducted for this qualitative descriptive study. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis based on the theoretical framework of Walsh’s family resilience theory. Four themes were elucidated based on the participants’ responses. The data interpreted essential implications, including familial factors and interventions that potentially promote the resiliency of Black children of incarcerated parents. The study’s findings contribute to positive social change at multiple levels, from individual children to policy development in human services organizations. In addition, the results of this study indicate that the social determinants of health for children of incarcerated parents can have positive outcomes with the appropriate interventions.

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