The importance of enhancing the communication skills of incarcerated mothers

Abstract

The ability to express experiences coherently and participate in effective interpersonal communication underlies many facets of human life. Not much is known about the communication abilities of mothers who are incarcerated, but it is well understood that other incarcerated populations have challenges in this domain. Research has demonstrated that communication skills are amenable to change with evidence-based interventions, and these improvements can have positive downstream effects on the individuals and their communication partners. This theoretical paper focuses specifically on incarcerated mothers because of the importance of mother-child relationships to post-release desistance, and the need to stop intergenerational cycles of trauma and problematic behaviors. We take a holistic approach to the issues that surround incarcerated mothers' abilities to participate in and benefit from communication-based intervention programs. Areas for future research are discussed, especially the need to establish a clear profile of the capabilities and limitations of this population with regards to communication. This paper advances a case, and road map, for communication intervention with incarcerated mothers, including considerations for culturally-aware programs. It also addresses the elements of good skills training and how those should be evaluated.