Romantic Attachment and Symptoms of Depression and PTSD Among Incarcerated Men: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Abstract With the rise in incarceration and negative mental health symptomology, the need to identify protective factors that can buffer psychological distress within carceral settings has become increasingly clear. In response to this, there has been growing interest in examining the relational aspect of those impacted by incarceration, though studies remain limited, particularly regarding romantic attachment. This longitudinal study used data from three waves (baseline, 9 months, 18 months) of the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering (MFS-IP) and investigated the possible relationship between romantic attachment and symptoms of depression and PTSD in 1,352 incarcerated men in romantic relationships with female partners over 18 months. Multilevel modeling suggested that more secure romantic attachment predicted significantly lower symptoms of both depression and PTSD, a protective pattern consistent with attachment theory and present at both the between-person and within-person levels. These associations were stable across the 18-month study period, with no significant change over time. The findings stress the potential importance of relational bonds during incarceration and suggest that relationship-focused support may be relevant throughout the incarceration period.