Strengthening Parental Identity of Incarcerated Fathers through Innovative Practices of Drama in Education

Abstract

This paper focuses on an innovative research initiative conducted within a Greek Detention Center. The project explores the paternal identity of incarcerated fathers with the primary objective of reinforcing their parental attitudes, skills, and practices. Despite the challenges imposed by incarceration, it is widely acknowledged that individuals can, and indeed should, continue to exercise their parental roles. This serves as the central premise of our research. A Detention Center in Greece was carefully selected through a process of feasibility sampling for this study, encompassing a participant group of 16 incarcerated fathers. The adoption of an action research methodology was deemed most appropriate for the execution of this parenting program. The research initiative comprised of 10 unique workshops, underpinned by principles of drama in education. These workshops provided the incarcerated fathers with opportunities to explore alternative methods of interaction with their children. The study concluded with a demonstrable enhancement in the paternal identity of the incarcerated fathers, affirming the initial research goals of the project. This provides evidence for the potential of such innovative approaches in supporting the development of stronger parental attitudes, skills, and practices among incarcerated parents.