How Parental Incarceration Influences Teen Arrests

What is it about?

This study looks at how having a parent who went to prison affects whether teenagers get arrested later. It focuses on the beliefs of both caregivers and teens about the teen’s chances of being incarcerated in the future. The researchers studied data from over 1,700 teens and their families to understand this link. Knowing that parents’ experiences of imprisonment can change families’ expectations about teens’ outcomes helps explain why teens with incarcerated parents might get arrested more often. These expectations can shape teens’ own beliefs about their future, which then influences their behavior. Understanding this process reveals the need to better support these teens.

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Photo by Valery Tenevoy on Unsplash

Photo by Valery Tenevoy on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study reveals that parental incarceration affects teens not just directly but through how caregivers and teens think about the risk of future arrests. It shows the powerful role of family beliefs in shaping teen behavior and criminal legal outcomes. By identifying this “reflected appraisal” process, the research suggests new ways to reduce negative outcomes for teens with incarcerated parents. This insight can inform policies and programs aimed at breaking the cycle of criminal legal system involvement across generations.