Incarcerated Black Men's Restrictive Emotionality: The Influence of Parental Closeness and Childhood Abuse

Black men are often socialized to limit their emotional expression, which can lead to negative relationships and emotional health outcomes. Yet, little is known about how childhood experiences influence their emotional restrictiveness in adulthood. This study examined the relationship between parent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychology of men & masculinity 2021-10, Vol.22 (4), p.844-849
Main Authors: Thorpe, Shemeka, Hargons, Candice N., Dogan, Jardin N., Thrasher, Shawndaya, Stevens-Watkins, Danelle
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Black People
Child Abuse
Child abuse & neglect
Child sexual abuse
Childhood experiences
Childhood factors
Closeness
Early Experience
Emotional abuse
Emotionality
Emotions
Facial expressions
Health status
Human
Human Males
Imprisonment
Incarceration
Institutional Release
Male
Men
Negative Emotions
Parent Child Relations
Parental influence
Parents & parenting
Prevention programs
Prisoners
Self expression
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Summary:Black men are often socialized to limit their emotional expression, which can lead to negative relationships and emotional health outcomes. Yet, little is known about how childhood experiences influence their emotional restrictiveness in adulthood. This study examined the relationship between parental closeness, childhood abuse, and restricted emotionality among 183 Black incarcerated men nearing release. Findings conclude men who reported having a closer relationship with their parents had lower emotional restrictiveness than men who did not. Men who reported childhood sexual abuse by two people reported more restricted emotionality than their non-abused counterparts. Implications for programming, intervention, and prevention strategies are discussed. Public Significance Statement The present study suggests childhood abuse, specifically sexual abuse by multiple individuals, is an important risk factor for restrictive emotionality among Black incarcerated men. In addition, this study highlights the importance of close supportive relationships, particularly with parents, as factors to consider for prevention and intervention approaches, and correctional strategies to foster emotional wellness for this population.
ISSN:1524-9220
1939-151X
DOI:10.1037/men0000342