The quality of perceived parenting experienced by a group of Scottish incarcerated young offenders and its relation to psychological distress

This study utilized the Parental Bonding Instrument [PBI] in a group of 125 incarcerated Scottish young offenders aged 16-21. The study examined the response profiles of young offenders and compared the results to normative data and demographics relating to family and penal experiences. Furthermore, it investigated relationships between parenting style and levels of depression, anxiety and hopelessness experienced during incarceration. Significant differences between the current sample and the normative sample were found. Stepwise regression analyses highlighted the role that parental overprotection plays in any psychological distress experienced during incarceration. The study also considered parental style and discusses the place of Parker's "optimal parenting" style in this particular population. The practical ramifications of these findings are also discussed in relation to the effects that current perceptions of the parenting role has upon the individual's own parenting behaviour. (C) 1998 Thr Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.