Associations Between Relationship Closeness and Mental Health in Youth with Parental Incarceration

Minnesota youth who reported parental incarceration showed distinct relationship profiles across six contexts, which related to self-reported anxiety and depression. The research suggests that strengthening family bonds and relationships with other supportive adults can mitigate the adverse effects of parental incarceration on youth mental health. The study analyzed data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, involving 13,423 students in public schools.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers identified six distinct relationship profiles among Minnesota youth with a history of parental incarceration, which differed in closeness to parents, relatives, friends, teachers, school adults, and community adults.
• The profiles were associated with self-reported anxiety and depression, with youth having higher levels of closeness across all relationships, especially family bonds, reporting significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms.
• The study controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and food and housing insecurity in the analysis of differences in self-reported anxiety and depression across the identified profiles.
• The findings revealed associations between constellations of close relationships and reduced anxiety and depression among youth with a history of parental incarceration.
• The research informs multisystem policies and programs aimed at strengthening youth relationships, particularly family bonds, during and after parental incarceration, to support positive mental health outcomes.

Statistics:

• One in six youth in Minnesota report having a parent who has been incarcerated (17%, N = 13,423).
• The analysis identified six distinct relationship profiles, with youth having higher levels of closeness across all relationships, especially family bonds, reporting significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms.
• The study controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and food and housing insecurity in the analysis of differences in self-reported anxiety and depression across the identified profiles.

Sources:

• Parental Incarceration, Youth Mental Health, and Resilience: Relationships At Home and Beyond: Family Relations, 2025
• University of Minnesota: Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States (Frederique Corcoran, lead researcher)
• University of Minnesota: Parental Incarceration, Youth Mental Health, and Resilience: Relationships At Home and Beyond (Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA)