Attachment Representations and Parental Memories of Incarcerated Fathers

This article presents the findings of a study designed to apply attachment theory concepts to a group of incarcerated fathers in a minimum-security facility. Participants in this convenience sample were either immediate graduates of a 13-week parenting skills program or currently involved in the parenting skills program. This exploratory study sought to examine first, whether the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) could effectively determine current mental representations of attachment relationships with a group of incarcerated fathers. Secondly, to gain further knowledge of this population regarding the impact of familial aspects by use of a survey measure, along with two other standardized measures were implemented. Thirty-eight voluntary subjects participated in the intensive AAI in scheduled individual sessions, completing child abuse additional measures. Differences among a three-category adult attachment classifications and five-category attachment classifications were identified. Both qualitative and quantitative results are discussed.