Perceived Importance of Parenting Behaviors as Reported by Inmate Mothers

This study addresses a major neglect in correctional research — inmate mothers' attitudes about parenting behaviors and how they compare with those of noncriminal mothers. It includes a sample of 120 incarcerated mothers and a matched pair group of 120 noncriminal mothers. A discriminant analysis was used to determine statistical differences between the groups' attitudes. It explained 15.4 percent of the variance between the incarcerated and nonincar-cerated mothers. Implications of this study are discussed, including the need to provide meaningful vocational training and follow-up services for mothers in prison and on parole.