The Impacts of Mass Incarceration on Partners of the Incarcerated: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research

Abstract

With the United States leading the world in incarceration rates, an estimated 113 million US adults have experienced the emotional, relational, and financial impacts related to the incarceration of a loved one. This study utilized a PRISMA review to examine the literature on partners of incarcerated individuals, analyzing 17 peer-reviewed empirical articles published between 2013 and 2022. Four primary themes emerged regarding carceral impacts on loved ones: (1) intrapersonal, (2) interpersonal, (3) coping and interventions, and (4) systemic and institutional. We discuss implications for professional counseling practice and research.