Filial therapy with incarcerated fathers: Effects on parental acceptance of child, parental stress, and child adjustment

The rationale for filial therapy is explored and the effectiveness of a ten week filial therapy parent training group for incarcerated parents is described. Results of the analysis of covariance revealed that incarcerated fathers in the experimental group significantly increased both their attitude of acceptance and their empathic behavior toward their children, reduced their level of stress related to parenting, and reported fewer problems with their children=s behavior. Additionally, the self concepts of the children of the experimental group fathers significantly increased as a result of interactions with their fathers in structured filial play sessions