Title: Life of a Shadowed Victim: The Effects of Having Incarcerated Parent on Young Adults' Social Life
Authors: Mychale Williams, Rona Mee Abad, Lady Akiza Delin, laica May Macasinag
Volume: 8
Issue: 7
Pages: 257-269
Publication Date: 2024/07/28
Abstract:
Drawing on several researches, this study aims to determine the effects of having incarcerated parent on young adults' social life, and specifically seeks answers to the questions about their relationship with family, friends, partner, and acquaintances, and how the situation of their parent affected their social life. The researchers utilized the qualitative descriptive design of research and gathered data to five (5) participants with the use of semi-structured interview. Results of the study revealed that while some experienced no change in their relationship with their family and maintained a good relationship -having the qualities of care, respect, and communication-, others experienced having a difficult relationship due to financial issues, specifically when the incarcerated parent was the provider before the incarceration. Additionally, participants stated having social connection with their friends even after opening up about their parent's incarceration, while some experienced peer disconnection. Maintaining social connection and good friendship may serve as a source of support for people who have incarcerated parents. Overall, while parental incarceration has no effect on some because they are not into socializing with people or they are still viewed as individual persons, there are young adults who have difficulty forming social life due to shame, embarrassment and stigma associated with their parent's incarceration.