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SAGE Journal User Guide

Craig, S. C. (2009). A Historical Review of Mother and Child Programs for Incarcerated Women. The Prison Journal, 89(1 Suppl), 35S–53S. doi:10.1177/0032885508329768

Abstract

Programs for incarcerated mothers and their children have received little scholarly attention over the years. This article presents a historical review and discussion of programs for incarcerated mothers and their children in the United States. Recurring themes in the history of these programs include the pervasive effects of race and class, the state's attempt to regulate and control women's minds and bodies, and the persistent dilemmas posed by the presence of mothers in prison. The article begins with an examination of historical influences from England and continues with an overview of programs in the United States from the early 1800s to the present. A discussion and recommendations for further research are provided.

Kubiak, S. P., Kim, W. J., Fedock, G., & Bybee, D. (2013). Differences Among Incarcerated Women With Assaultive Offenses: Isolated Versus Patterned Use of Violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28(12), 2462–2490. doi:10.1177/0886260513479034

Abstract

A majority of the existing research on women’s use of violence focuses on intimate partner violence, often excluding other types of violence for which women may be incarcerated. The current study expands this area of research by assessing between and within-group differences among a randomly selected group of incarcerated women (n = 543). Comparisons between violent and nonviolent offense types among women found few differences, but significant differences among women with an assaultive offense, based on the presence or absence of a self-reported uncaught violence, were found. Differences in women with isolated (i.e., single incident of violence perpetration through a review of formal and self-report data) and patterned uses of violence were present in relation to issues of mental health, substance abuse, criminogenic risk, and expressions of anger and personality factors. These findings have important implications for intervention as well as future research.

Lynch, S. M., Fritch, A., & Heath, N. M. (2012). Looking Beneath the Surface: The Nature of Incarcerated Women’s Experiences of Interpersonal Violence, Treatment Needs, and Mental Health. Feminist Criminology, 7(4), 381–400. doi:10.1177/1557085112439224

Abstract

Female offenders report higher rates of interpersonal violence (IPV) and mental health problems than incarcerated men. The purpose of this study was to describe the nature of incarcerated women’s (N = 102) IPV experiences, to investigate characteristics of IPV as predictors of current mental health, and to explore women’s perceptions of their treatment needs. Utilizing multivariate multiple regression analyses, the authors found that recent partner violence, multiple types of IPV, chronic IPV, and distress at the time of the IPV were all significant predictors of current mental health. In narrative responses, participants recognized the connection between IPV and their mental health and indicated a need for trauma-informed interventions.

Staton, M., Leukefeld, C., & Webster, J. M. (2003). Substance Use, Health, and Mental Health: Problems and Service Utilization Among Incarcerated Women. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 47(2), 224–239. doi:10.1177/0306624X03251120

Abstract

This article profiles self-reported substance use, health, and mental health problems among a sample of incarcerated women in Kentucky as well as lifetime service utilization. Findings indicate that a high percentage of women reported use of alcohol, cocaine, and multiple substances during the month before incarceration. In addition, participants reported common health problems such as dental, female reproductive, physical injuries, and mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Participants reported moderate use of emergency room and mental health treatment but limited substance abuse treatment utilization. Implications for criminal justice programs and linkages with community-based aftercare services for women are recommended based on findings that health and mental health problems are associated with service utilization before incarceration.