What question did this study set out to answer?

This thesis aims to examine the coping mechanisms utilized by families of inmates serving life sentences compared to those of death row inmates.

June 20, 2026Open Access

Taking Away Hope: Coping Mechanisms among Family Members of Death Row Inmates and of those Serving Life Without Parole

Key Points

This thesis aims to examine the coping mechanisms utilized by families of inmates serving life sentences compared to those of death row inmates.
Conducted qualitative interviews with family members of inmates serving life sentences and death row inmates.
Utilized content analysis and narrative analysis to interpret family testimonies.
Applied a narrative sociology framework to guide the methodology and analysis.
Mental health emerged as a key theme in coping mechanisms for families of lifers.
Support and victimization were significant factors identified within the families' narratives.
Comparative analysis revealed differing coping strategies between families of lifers and those of death row inmates.

Abstract

This thesis explores the impacts of having a family member serve a life sentence in the United States, using qualitative methods including interviews and content analysis. I identify the coping mechanisms of families of lifers and consider how these coping mechanisms compare to a closely related population with existing literature on the topic, families of the condemned, using narrative analysis of family members' testimonies from both populations. This study was conducted through the lens of narrative sociology, shaping not only the methodology of the research but the analysis as well. Mental health was found to be a predominant theme in the data, as well as support and victimization. Future research directions and implications of this research are suggested and explored.

Taking Away Hope: Coping Mechanisms among Family Members of Death Row Inmates and of those Serving Life Without Parole

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider