Incarcerated Fathers: Exploring the Dimensions and Prevalence of Parenting Capacity of Non-Violent Offenders

This study explored the level and multi-dimensional nature of parenting capacity, defined as the personal and psychological qualities associated with positive parenting behaviors, in a sample of 196 fathers incarcerated in one state minimum-security facility. The non-violent offender fathers in this study reported knowledge about parental empathy and beliefs about corporeal punishment parallel to what would be expected in the general population. A majority identified with and valued their fatherhood role. However, these fathers also reported depression, psychological difficulties, and personal adjustment problems that could diminish effective parenting and put them at risk for subsequent child abusing behaviors. Race and amount of contact with child during imprisonment were major factors associated with different parenting capacity dimensions. Research limitations and practice implications are discussed.