Financial (in)stability and relational safety among female partners of incarcerated men: The mediating role of communication

The disproportionate representation of males within the incarcerated population has extensive implications for romantic relationships. However, less is known about how financial instability, a common consequence of incarceration, relates to relational safety among female partners of incarcerated men. Utilizing data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering (n = 720), this study examined whether communication skills mediate the association between financial instability and relational safety, including whether relationship ideologies moderate this pathway. Results showed a significant indirect effect: getting public assistance before incarceration predicted poorer communication skills (B = -0.15, p = .004), which was linked to lower relational safety (B = 0.64, p < .001). After accounting for communication skills, financial instability, and relational safety were no longer directly linked, indicating full mediation. Relationship ideologies did not moderate this pathway. Findings demonstrate communication skills as an important mechanism connecting financial strain to relational safety among couples impacted by incarceration.