ABSTRACT
“Self” theory posits that the “self is the frame of reference through which an individual interacts with his world”. One might expect that if involvement with children forms an “axis of self-esteem” for inmate-mothers, then these women may view themselves even less favorably than nonmothers. The child-rearing attitudes expressed by a mother may be indicative of the way in which she interacts with her children. These behavior patterns may, in turn, affect the personality development of the child. Therefore, it is important to understand parental attitudes towards raising children. The extent to which inmate-mothers viewed themselves was not affected by background characteristics and most criminal history factors. Inmate-mothers generally expressed attitudes of protectiveness and indulgence towards their children. Inmate-mothers expressed a great deal of warmth and affection towards their children and tended to overlook shortcomings. Child-rearing attitudes are useful for understanding how inmate-mothers see their relationships with their children and their own role as a parent.
