The crossover of negative emotions between former prisoners and their family members during reunion: A test of general strain theory

Abstract

Prior reentry research illustrates the challenges former prisoners face during reentry. However, the challenges their family members experience are understudied. This study investigates the strain the family members of released prisoners experience. In addition, it examines the crossover of negative emotions between released prisoners and their family members. We use a dyadic data set that captures the experiences of both former prisoners and their family members during reentry. Our results reveal a reciprocal transmission of negative emotion between the two parties. The negative emotions released prisoners and their family members experience are significantly associated with their respective drinking behavior.