You Can't Be Much of Anything from Inside': The Implications of Imprisoned Fathers' Parental Involvement and Generative Opportunities for Children's Wellbeing

This study utilises interviews with 64 imprisoned fathers in South East Queensland (Australia) to examine changes in parental involvement since imprisonment. Although the majority of fathers were engaged in parenting their children before imprisonment, during the imprisonment period this parenting ceased for one third of previously involved fathers. The majority of fathers also described difficulties in being positively involved in their children's lives. Results are discussed in terms of men's opportunities for role modelling, generative thinking within a prison environment and the potential intergenerational consequences of reduced father involvement for children's wellbeing. Full text also available via Informit