Loneliness and adjustment: The stress of uncertainty for women of incarcerated partners

High incarceration rates among African-American males significantly effect the emotional well-being of their romantic partners. Previous research has examined the effects of partner incarceration on women's sexual health and finances; however, changes in emotional well-being remain largely unexplored. This study examines the emotional status of women with incarcerated partners between the period of arrest and sentencing, a potentially stressful period because the case's outcome is uncertain. African-American women with recently incarcerated male partners were recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Four one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted over a year. Grounded theory was used to analyze women's emotional well-being between arrest and sentencing.

When the partner was arrested, many women lost their primary financial support and ‘best friend'. For many women, their financial circumstances declined precipitously and they had to find new housing and employment. These new responsibilities, combined with romantic loneliness, created substantial emotional stress. With the uncertainty of the case's outcome, women were unsure of their relationship's future. Women often felt they could not talk with others about these stressors because they feared incarceration-related stigma. To cope with anxiety and stress, women often withdrew from social relationships, increased (or initiated) substance abuse, or developed new sexual relationships. As sentencing neared, women remained concerned with continuing the relationship but began focusing on getting their life “back on track”.

These findings suggest a great need for resources targeting women with incarcerated partners during the post-arrest period, including counseling, services to prevent drug and alcohol use, and linkages to financial aid.