Associations between parental incarceration and youth mental health conditions: The mitigating effects of adolescent resilience and positive coping strategies

Rachel N. Bomysoad, Lori A. Francis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of parental incarceration history on child health is understudied. This study examined 2016–17 National Survey of Children’s Health data (n = 29,617, age 12–17, 49% female). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between parent incarceration, reports of current youth mental health conditions, youth resilience and positive coping strategies, activity participation, physical activity, sleep, and screen time. Youth exposed to an incarcerated parent were reported to have significantly more mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, conduct/behavioral problems, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and substance use disorder. Resilience, activity participation, and sleep reduced the odds of several mental health conditions in youth with parental incarceration. Findings suggest public health implications, including additional programming to enhance coping for these vulnerable youth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8746-8757
Number of pages12
JournalCurrent Psychology
Volume41
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Psychology

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