The People Have Spoken: First-Hand Accounts of How to Improve Romantic Relationships With an Incarcerated Partner

Abstract

Although incarceration impacts the entire family system, the input of those impacted is often ignored or not sought out when discussing reform within the criminal justice system. Individuals in a romantic relationship with an incarcerated individual were interviewed to understand the lived experience using a phenomenological approach. The question “What would improve your relationship?” was asked to gain an understanding of what suggestions and recommendations individuals engaged in this relationship would share. Within the eight interviews, the theme, suggestions, was present in all and the codes of visitation, physical interaction, quality time, and lower cost communication will be explored. To better understand how to best advocate for and promote policy change, it is crucial to listen to and understand the input that those within these situations offer to improve their experience with incarceration.