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Influence of parental imprisonment on children’s prosocial behavior: The mediating role of family environment

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  • Guo, Jing
  • Chen, Shilu
  • Xu, Yishan

Abstract

A parent serving a sentence changes the family environment, which influences the prosocial behavior of their children. Based on data from the “Research on the Health Status of Children in Difficult Families,” this study examined the prosocial behavior of children with an incarcerated father/mother. In addition, using structural equation modeling, it analyzed this influence on their prosocial behavior from the perspectives of the family material and spiritual environment. Compared to children without a parent in prison, children with an imprisoned parent had relatively poor prosocial behavior. Regarding the influence of an imprisoned parent on their children’s prosocial behavior, the family environment played an intermediary role: an imprisoned parent had an indirect influence on their children’s prosocial behavior, mainly by influencing the family material and spiritual environments; the indirect effects of which were −0.117 and −0.027, respectively. For children with an imprisoned parent, stakeholders should value not only their family material environment but also a good spiritual family environment to promote healthy mental and physical development, which is of great practical significance for the development of healthy personality traits in children and contributes to positive and harmonious development in society.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo, Jing & Chen, Shilu & Xu, Yishan, 2022. "Influence of parental imprisonment on children’s prosocial behavior: The mediating role of family environment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:136:y:2022:i:c:s0190740922000299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106393
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amanda Geller & Irwin Garfinkel & Carey E. Cooper & Ronald B. Mincy, 2009. "Parental Incarceration and Child Well‐Being: Implications for Urban Families," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(5), pages 1186-1202, December.
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